The Coates Talent League has kicked into full gear and Shepparton entertained a “local’’ round two contest between the Murray Bushrangers and Bendigo Pioneers.
The two northern strands of Victoria’s regional representation in the league went toe-to-toe at Deakin Reserve in a see-sawing Good Friday affair.
The margin never exceeded two goals during an evenly-keeled first half between two sides that had kicked their season off with wins the week prior, but things changed after the break.
The Bushrangers came out of the sheds an inspired side, with Josh Murphy and Joe Berry contributing two majors apiece in a phenomenal 15-minute stretch that had the home boys establish a 26-point advantage.
Murphy and Berry missed chances late on in the term as the pendulum swung back Bendigo’s way, setting up a proper finish to the contest.
The Pioneers picked up where they left off early in the final term, putting up five straight scoring shots and assuming the lead once more.
The Bushrangers certainly had their chances to kill the game off after Jez Rigoni put them back in front, with Shepparton United’s Riley Onley and Shepparton prodigy Jack Whitlock spraying shots alongside Berry.
In the end, the Pioneers took their chances when it counted to remove all doubt with little more than a minute remaining; Coen Ainsworth’s true kick after the siren was mere consolation in a 14.12 (96) to 14.10 (94) defeat.
Josh Murphy was the obvious standout with a bag of six goals, well complemented by the four majors of Berry, while Jobe Shanahan stood up for the victorious visitors with four of his own.
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Breaking lines: Murray Bushrangers' Cohen Paul evades a tackle. Photo by Liam NashImage 2 of 9
Getting after it: Murray Bushrangers' Matt Whitlock takes a running bounce. Photo by Liam NashImage 3 of 9
Fresh legs: Murray Bushrangers' Riley Onley comes into the game. Photo by Liam NashImage 4 of 9
Standing up: Bendigo Pioneers' Jobe Shanahan walks back after a contested grab. Photo by Liam NashImage 5 of 9
Listen up: Bendigo Pioneers huddle shortly before the game starts. Photo by Liam NashImage 6 of 9
In the nick of time: Murray Bushrangers' Ashton McPherson just gets a handpass away. Photo by Liam NashImage 7 of 9
Tightly marked: Bendigo Pioneers' Archie Watt deals with some close attention. Photo by Liam NashImage 8 of 9
In the contest: Murray Bushrangers' Mitchell Grumley looks to offload amid the presence of two tacklers. Photo by Liam NashImage 9 of 9
Toll figure: Bendigo Pioneers' Gus Toll rises above for the easy hitout. Photo by Liam NashBushrangers coach Mark Brown saw plenty of individual positives despite surrendering a lead of more than four goals because, after all, results are secondary in this competition.
“To be honest, I thought Bendigo controlled a majority of the game,” Brown said.
“I thought when we got the game on our terms in the third quarter, we saw what we were capable of; it’s a good reminder to the boys that you don’t take anything for granted.
“I thought everyone had their moments. We’re potent in front of goal and Josh Murphy did that job.
“Matt Whitlock’s battle down back with Jobe Shanahan was a highlight, and (Oliver) Warburton was good in parts.
“There were some impressive parts to our game, but we need to tidy up other aspects that you should get right regardless.’’
The Bushrangers sit fifth after Friday’s narrow defeat, while the Pioneers hold on to third as one of three unbeaten sides following the first fortnight of play.
Both sides will look to push on Sunday as part of a monster regional triple-header at Ballarat’s MARS Stadium, with Bendigo meeting Gippsland Power in the opener at 10am before the Murray boys tangle with Geelong Falcons at 12.30pm.
“In all honesty, I don't think there's much that separates all the country sides and it reinforces to our boys that you're going to battle to win moments and games if you're not at your very best,” Brown said.
“We’ll make sure with the boys this week that we’re on track and not getting ahead of ourselves.”
However, these two organisations will be no strangers, with the Bushrangers and Pioneers set to meet again in the under-16 boys league on Wednesday night at Craigieburn’s Highgate Recreation Reserve.