The Murray Bushrangers U18 boys team has suffered an 11 point loss to the Greater Western Sydney Academy at the Albury Sportsground on Saturday, 11-11-77 to 12-16-88.
The Giants started with strong midfield clearance work and running from defence, which afforded them a 13 point lead. The Bushrangers battled their way back into the contest thanks to Jimmy Boyer’s clever forward play and Dylan Clarke’s tenacity around the packs. However the Giants were able to apply pressure whenever the Bushrangers went forward causing an inaccurate two goals and four behinds.
Spectators witnessed some of the best football for the day in the second term as the Bushrangers tidied up their disposal, lowering their eyes, hitting targets and kicking three goals to GWS’s two goals. The Bushrangers still trailed by seven points at the main break and were on even terms in general play.
The Bushrangers continued to use the ball well in patches during the third term, resulting in two goals. However some costly mistakes allowed the Greater Western Sydney team to extend their lead to 10 points at three quarter time.
A desperate final quarter by both teams saw the Bushrangers defenders under constant pressure as the ball remained camped inside the GWS’s forward fifty for the first half of the quarter. A few easy misses kept the door open for the Bushrangers and with two minutes left Hudson Kaak took what appeared to be a strong mark, but play continued and a rushed behind had the Bushrangers within 10 points with two minutes left. Unfortunately time halted the comeback and GWS Academy ran out as 11 point winners in a great standard of NAB League football.
Dylan Clarke was best for the Bushrangers, with a hard contested football game leading from the front. Sam Durham was good on a wing working both defensively and offensively, while Co-captain Lachie Ash lead the way for the Bushrangers crashing in hard all day and winning plenty of contested football. Jye Chalcraft was able to hit the scoreboard while working into the contest around the ground, with Jimmy Boyer superb as a forward kicking three goals and debutant William Bowden was gallant in the ruck against quality opposition.
