LOY Yang B Gippsland Power remains unbeated in the 2012 TAC Cup after an unconvincing win over an under-manned Eastern Ranges side.
The Power were missing only one of their best, while the Ranges had 21 players missing due to injury or school football commitments.
Power coach Nick Stevens was concerned with the side’s slow start and attempted to address what he saw as a key factor in their preparation for the game.
The Power hit back after some vision by Nick Graham set up Tom Muir for a mark and goal.
Instead of continuing with this more positive play, the Power gifted the Ranges with another after a free kick and fifty metre penalty.
By the end of the term the Rangers led by two points.
In key areas the Power underperformed for example, their 18 forward-50 entries led to just one goal.
Early in the second term the boys upped the ante with some more thoughtful play.
Daniel Jackson used a clever handball to set up Shannen Lange with a running goal before Simon Deery gave Muir his second major.
Soon after Lange worked hard and kicked a clever goal before Carr turned provider and set Tim Membrey up for another inspiring major.
A string of effective and purposeful handballs saw Will Hams and Lachie Channing combine well to allow Matt Northe to join in the fun.
However, the boys let themselves down with some weak defence and allowed the Ranges to goal from a rare forward fifty entry, but the Power finished the term well taking a 54-point lead into the main break.
The Power opened the scoring in the third quarter, with a classy goal by Daniel Jackson from a boundary throw-in.
Nifty work by Northe and Membrey allowed Ben Kearns to get the side back on track, before some long and direct kicking by Anthony Tipungwuti, Deery and Membrey resulted in another important goal to Josh Scott.
Simon Deery took full advantage of a free kick in the ruck before Nate Paredes kicked well to give Kearns another.
By the end of the quarter the Power led by 58 points with the Rangers being kept goalless courtesy of some effective defensive tactics.
In poor conditions, the Power began the term in ordinary fashion and went back to their ineffective play of the first quarter.
Countless scoring opportunities were wasted before a goal from Northe.
After a Ranges kick-in, Scott intercepted and bombed a long one from fifty out and then Membrey, Jack Leslie and Paredes went long and direct to give Jake Thomas a chance to join the goal kickers.
By the final siren the Power were 88 points up, but it was a far from convincing game considering the Power had 77 inside fifties for only 16 goals.
Final scores were Gippsland Power 16.13 (109) defeated Eastern Ranges 3.3 (21)
Goal kickers Shannen Lange 3, Matt Northe, Tom Muir, Josh Scott and Ben Kearns 2, Tim Membrey, Simon Deery, Daniel Jackson, Alex Carr and Jake Thomas 1.
The TAC Cup has a bye next weekend and some players will return to club football throughout Gippsland.
At least six of the side will be required to join state squads as they prepare for the up-coming national under 18 championships.
Nick Stevens will also be keen for several of the regular players to get some rest this weekend, as the Power faces some very challenging games in the next few weeks.
Twenty-year celebrations
Off the field, the club has been busy planning a celebration for the club’s 20th year in the TAC Cup competition.
During that time, over 80 young Gippsland players have played at AFL level, including 13 who have premiership medallions.
Geelong speedster David Wojcinski has an incredible three premiership medallions to his name.
The Power currently boats 30 players in the AFL and it is likely even more will join them at the end of the 2012 season.
Across Gippsland many Power graduates have also returned to local football where they have been vital contributors to many premierships in competitions throughout the region.
From this amazing band of footballers, a Gippsland Power All-Star team will be announced at the club’s next social function on 28 July at Lardner Park.
Players, families, friends and supporters are all invited to attend and be part of a great night.
For further details contact the club on 0351348133 or visit
gippslandpower.aflvic.com.au
