THE Murray Bushrangers had their chances but fell short of Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup on Saturday.
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The 8.11 (59) to 11.10 (76) scoreline was a disappointing end to the Bushies’ first game under lights at Wangaratta Showgrounds.
Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier said they had plenty of possession but failed to make an impact on the scoreboard.
“It was a game in which we had our opportunities but couldn’t capitalise,” Ogier said.
“In terms of possession it was probably 50-50 at the least, so we had our fair share of the footy.
“But we battled hard to score which makes it hard to win games if you can’t convert your opportunities.”
Ogier said Eastern Ranges applied pressure well across the whole ground and made the most of Bushranger mistakes.
“We didn’t win enough one-on-one contests and they converted a lot better than we did,” he said.
But Ogier said the young Bushies were capable and keen to learn.
“We’ve just got to keep working on our structures and finding avenues to goal,” he said.
“They’re still inexperienced at that level but they’re going to keep improving every week, they’re just not quite there yet.
“But continuing improvement, that’s the mantra.”
Isaac Muller was again imp-ressive in the ruck as he has been all year, while on-baller Nathan Drummond had a lively game and kicked three goals.
Ogier said Murray Waite from Wangaratta also had an impressive game.
Ogier also had nothing but praise for the night format.
“It was fantastic,” he said.
“It was a great spectacle, the weather was good it was terrific. But I’d love to have more night games there it’s a great facility to have.
“It would have been tremendous if we could have got the job done but unfortunately that didn’t happen.”