Under18 TAC Cup

GIPPSLAND Power played Bendigo Pioneers at Morwell East due to Morwell’s oval being unfit.
Early signs were good for the Power, however after the first goal the game reverted to a dour battle. The Power was indirect in its forward thrusts and it took until the 29minute mark to kick its second goal. By the end of the term the Power led by 12 points but was not playing like a team at the top of the ladder.
In the second quarter, after a somewhat slow start, the Power began to be more purposeful in attack and craft team goals more reminiscent of better form during the season. The players were applying their customary pressure and made the Pioneers turn the ball over. Dale Thomas was a human highlight reel with his spectacular play and by the long break the Power’s lead was 56 points.
The Pioneers rallied with early goals in the third term but the Power steadied and reasserted its dominance, stretching the lead to 74 points by the last change.
In the last term both sides were struggling to finish their work effectively but the Power had too many guns for the Pioneers and began to set up exciting team goals. But despite kicking 21 for the day the Power missed at least six sitters and cannot afford to be this wasteful against top sides.
Scores: Gippsland Power 21.22.148 d Bendigo Pioneers 6.3.39.
Goals: Ben Fraser, Dale Thomas 4, Ben Ross 3, Ricky Delphine 2, Jay Neagle, Brett Dore, Lachlan Hansen, Tom Johnson, Spencer Noonan, Scott Pendlebury, Jeff Ryan, Jaymie Youle 1.
Best: Dale Thomas, Ben Ross, Trent West, Craig Flint, Jeff Ryan, Brett Dore, Ricky Delphine.