THE Murray Bushrangers bounced back from a last round loss to defeat the Eastern Ranges by 26 points in Round 12 TAC Cup action.
A home game at Deakin Reserve attracted a large crowd and the Bushrangers struggled in the first half against the eleventh placed Eastern. Despite kicking the first goal, the Bushrangers struggled with Eastern’s pressure and were left to rue early chances. Eastern played to their strengths to lead at quarter time by 19 points at the first break. The second term saw the Bushrangers begin to regain momentum kicking three goals from seven scoring shots, while Eastern added two goals from three attempts to see the Murray team trail at the main break by four points.
After resetting during the break, the Bushrangers outplayed the Eastern team with three goals and an inaccurate six behinds; whilst strong defence held the Easter Ranges scoreless for the term and a 14 point lead at the last change. Throughout the final quarter the Bushrangers showed glimpses of dominance kicking three goals to one in the last quarter.
Goulburn Valley local, Lachlan Ash relished a move through the midfield and attacked the ball with vigour. Ash spent the majority of the game driving the Bushrangers forward and took several contested marks. Defender, Nick Murray was tremendous in defence and teamed well with Jacob Koschitzke who returned from his all Australian form to be a key defender and provided several telling runs and long kicks from defence. Ruck duo, Mark Marriott and Floyd Bollinghaus were terrific in the contest with Marriott’s second and third efforts crucial in the game. Bollinghaus provided a target around the ground and took several strong marks. Jye Chalcraft was in and under most packs and continually feed the ball out and provided great tackling pressure. Forward, Zane Barzen kicked three goals and provided a mobile target across the forward arc. It was great to see the Butts brothers play their first game together for the Bushrangers, James on debut.
Next week sees the Murray Bushrangers return to the Norm Minns Oval/ Wangaratta Showgrounds for a home game against Western Jets on Saturday at 1pm.
