Drouin’s Daniel Jackson feverishly hunts the Sherrin against Jackson McDonald and his Eastern Ranges team mates. 85242 Picture: JARROD POTTER
By RUSSELL BENNETT
A NICK Stevens’ half time bake – powerful enough to strip the paint off the Sistine Chapel – sparked a tardy Gippsland Power into action on Sunday, with the side eventually running over the top of the Eastern Ranges, 12.11 (83) to 7.8 (50).
The Power struggled in the early going to shrug off a determined Ranges side hell-bent on defying their status as TAC Cup cellar-dwellers.
Gippsland kicked with the breeze in the first quarter at Box Hill’s City Oval but led by just 18 points at the first change.
The Power snagged the first major of the second term but the Ranges stole the momentum – piling on the pressure all over the ground and keeping the ball trapped in their forward half.
The home side booted four unanswered goals at one point, highlighting some lazy and uncommitted Power play.
Drouin’s Daniel Jackson toiled hard but had a couple of costly turnovers in the second term, and he wasn’t alone. The Power was made to pay for its mistakes as the Ranges got to within two points, 36-34.
A Josh Scott goal eventually stemmed the tide for the Power but it was a piece of inspirational play from the brilliant Nick Graham that helped them stay afloat. He was floored by a heavy knock but bounced straight back to his feet and slotted a goal from the forward pocket against the breeze late in the term to give the Power a 14-point advantage at the main break.
All the key half time stats pointed to just how poor the Power’s start was. Their nine forward-50 entries in the second quarter was their lowest output of the season. And their seven tackles was also a season low, indicating the side’s inability to pressure the ball carrier.
Eastern took the initiative in the third after the Power again wasted its opportunities in front of the big sticks but Graham and great mate Tim Membrey got Gippsland back on track – leading by 27 at the final change.
Stevens, however, wasn’t content with the margin – knowing the Ranges had the benefit of the breeze in the fourth term.
“Boys, you need to sacrifice your own game to find space for your team-mates,” he implored at the three-quarter time huddle.
Only three goals were scored in the final term, but two to the Power as Gippsland came away 33-point winners.
Drouin’s Anthony Tipungwuti and great mate Ellinbank’s Nate Paredes starred for the Power in their scrappy win. Both youngsters’ composure under pressure and efficiency by foot proved the difference.
Gippsland Power
4.2 7.6 10.9 12.11 (83)
Eastern Ranges
1.2 5.4 6.6 7.8 (50)
Gippsland Power goals: N. Graham 4, T. Membrey 4, A. Saunders, B. Vardy, J. Scott, M. Northe. Best: N. Graham, T. Membrey, N. Paredes, B. Kearns, A. Tipungwuti, R. Hall.
Eastern Ranges goals: J. Zboril 2, M. Honeychurch 2, J. McDonald, S. McGowan, M. O’Donnell. Best: J. McDonald, D. Depace, B. Wood, M. Honeychurch, B. Cavarra, M. O’Donnell.
