GIPPSLAND Power got its 2006 TAC Cup program back on track with a comprehensive 72point win over the Murray Bushrangers at Coburg on Saturday.
Both sides were hit with the loss of key players with the Bushrangers losing several to state teams and the Power without 10 of their ‘guns’.
Last week the Power struggled against the Falcons, but on Saturday had the crucial inclusions of Brent Connolly and firstgamer Shane McIntosh to provide some muchneeded lift.
Early in the first term the Power took the initiative and had the Bushrangers on the back foot with some slick team play.
Instead of building on this, the Power allowed the Bushies to regain their composure and, suddenly they were making a contest of it.
By the first change the Power led by 19 points, but hadn’t capitalised on its early dominance.
In the second term the Power established control of the play, with the defence working well and the forwards taking advantage of this on the scoreboard.
The tackling and endeavour shown by the Power was pleasing and it extended the lead to 48 points by the long break.
In the third term the Power’s intensity continued however it began to miss goals it was easily slotting in the first half.
It was still miserly in defence and with a midfield well on top, led by Francis and Jostlear, the last change saw the Power in front by 78 points.
Coach Paul Hudson asked the team to finish off the job and gain reward its hard work on the scoreboard.
When it mattered most the Power lifted its intensity and dominated the first half of the last term.
It did everything right except kick goals and the Bushrangers kicked five to give their score some respectability.
Scores: Gippsland Power 19.22.136 d Murray Bushrangers 10.4.64.
Goals: Brent Macaffer 6, Jackson Hall 4, Ben Hughes, Ben Jostlear, Luke Webber 4, James Blaser, Joel Morgan and Andrew Oldmeadow 1.
Best: Ben Hughes, Brent Macaffer, Jackson Hall, Ben Jostlear, Tristan Francis and Joel Morgan.
The TAC Cup has a bye this week for the under18 national championships and the Power will play Sandringham Dragons in a fortnight.
Power surge
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