Stingrays waste their chances

THE Dandenong Stingrays’ quest for their first TAC Cup came to a disappointing end against Gippsland Power on Saturday.
The Stingrays took the field unchanged against the firming favourite.
Both teams played attacking, vigorous football. The ball was rebounding from end to end with speed and precision but the Power made the most of opportunities and led by 17 points, its efficient and cohesive back line repelling many Stingrays attacks.
Daniel Nicholls and Travis Tuck were superb for the Stingrays in the midfield and backmen Adam Kirkwood and Nathan Jones were on top of their respective opponents.
In the second term each team registered three goals.
The Stingrays lost inspirational midfielder Sam Carpenter for the game with a badly corked thigh and the Power backs exploited the Stingrays’ lack of pace in the forward line by running hard.
Two goals by Ryan Cook and one by David Comben kept the Stingrays within striking distance at the long break.
But in the third quarter the Stingrays were unable to make headway and the Power kicked three goals to the Stingrays’ two and held a 22point lead at the last change.
Coach Graeme Yeats challenged his players to take risks and play on at all costs.
In the final term the Stingrays got within 10 points before the Power steadied to take its first premiership by 15 points.
The Stingrays had many opportunities throughout the game and had more possessions, tackles and forward entries but failed to capitalise on their chances.
In the end the Stingrays were unable to manufacture enough genuine scoring opportunities.
Scores: Gippsland Power 12.9.81 d Dandenong Stingrays 10.6.66.
Goals: Ryan Cook, David Comben 3, Alex Lee, Aaron Murray 2.