A defensive masterclass inspired the Murray Bushrangers’ return to the winners’ list, as they kept Bendigo Pioneers goalless en route to a clinical 6.9 (45) to 0.9 (9) win at Epsom Huntly Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
Faced with blustery conditions, the Bushrangers took advantage of the wind early to open up a solid four-goal break, before the back six went to work in restricting competition spearhead Teagan Williams and the Bendigo forwards in what was as good a defensive showing as you will see.
After a flurry of heartbreaking NAB League losses in recent weeks, assistant coach Mario de Santa-Ana said it was incredibly heartening to see the girls get some reward for their hard work.
“I would probably put it down as one of the best performances I have seen from a Bushies side for a few years,” de Santa-Ana said.
“The wind was probably a four-goal advantage blowing straight down the ground and after we got off to a good start, the way our mids and backs played in that second term was unbelievable, the ferocity and tackling was sensational and really set us up heading into the second half.
“The bonus was to get over the line well and not having to stress about that last kick of the game again, there was a sense of relief and jubilation that they got back on the winners’ list.”
Determined to make up for a heartbreaking defeat to cellar-dwellers Northern Knights the previous week, the Bushies were on from the first bounce, piling on three quick goals in the first term to establish a 24-point advantage at quarter-time.
Now faced with the challenge of kicking against the breeze, the defensive prowess of the visitors came to the fore, putting the clamps on the Pioneers and keeping them to four behinds to maintain a 21-point lead at the main change.
With the game firmly in their grasp, the Bushrangers hammered home the advantage in the third term, adding another three majors to have the lead above 40 at three-quarter time.
While the result was well and truly decided, the fierce determination of the Bushies remained, as they continued to pile on the defensive pressure with the goal of keeping the Pioneers goalless front of mind, which they achieved, leaving Epsom Huntly Reserve with a six-goal win.
Working tirelessly in the ruck, Molly Kennedy was voted the Bushrangers’ best, with several local girls standing out throughout the contest.
“Molly Kennedy played ruck all day and was a bit of a second ruck rover for us, she was just superb giving our mids first look at the footy,” de Santa-Ana said.
“Cassidy Mailer and Keeley Skepper were both their prominent selves, working hard all day and giving our forwards great service, while we also put young Payten Johnston into the middle for the first time and she added that real explosive speed in what was definitely her best game for the year.”