WHAT the TAC Cup ladder showed had loomed as a winnable opportunity for the Rural Bank Bendigo Pioneers turned into an 81-point disaster against the Geelong Falcons at the QEO on Sunday.
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Only one win separated the two sides going into the round 14 game, but the Falcons dished out a shellacking, scoring 29 times to the Pioneers’ three in a 13.16 (94) to 2.1 (13) victory.
“We’ve got some personnel out, but there’s no doubt it was a disappointing performance today,” Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said.
“We don’t necessarily focus on the wins and losses, but we do on being competitive and today we were really poor.”
Since 2000, only their score of 1.2 (8) against Oakleigh in round 12 of 2014 was lower than the Pioneers’ tally of 13, with their two goals kicked by Jack McHale in the second quarter and Mitch Christensen in the third term.
In what was a tough day for the Pioneers, who are now 2-12, vice-captain Noah Wheeler battled hard in defence and McHale continued his solid form through the midfield, while Sam Conforti equipped himself well in his TAC Cup debut.
The Pioneers have next weekend off before continuing their season on August 18 with an away game against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels at Ballarat’s MARS Stadium.
Geelong Falcons
4.5, 8.8, 11.13, 13.16 (94)
Bendigo Pioneers
0.0, 1.1, 2.1, 2.1 (13)
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