MURRAY Bushrangers kicked the final seven goals of the match to defeat Greater Western Victoria Rebels by 50 points at Craigieburn on Sunday.
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Leading by just eight points at the final change, the Bushrangers exploded into action.
Classy forward Matt Walker played his most productive match in the TAC Cup by kicking four goals while Daniel Johnston and Zane Barzen stood up with three majors.
Yarrawonga’s Ryan Bruce and North Albury’s Doulton Langlands were also strong contributors.
“It was really close until the last quarter,” Higgins said.
“Our ball use going into the forward line was much better late when we put them under more pressure with some deep entries.
“They had a good third quarter and were inaccurate but our guys were good enough to respond.
“It was a fairly pleasing effort overall.”
Harry Jones, Nick Richards and Isaac Wallace were others to stand up when Higgins needed them most.
The Rebels were best served by Aiden Domic and Thomas Berry.
The Bushrangers came through the clash without any injury concerns.
They are sitting third on the ladder behind Geelong and Oakleigh with the TAC Cup having the bye this weekend due to national championships.
Ben Paton and Jordan Butts were rested on Sunday ahead of next weekend’s match for Victoria Country against the Allies at Blacktown.
Laitham Vandermeer (Xavier College), Barzen, Jones, Thomas Boyd and Hudson Garoni are in the Victorian Country squad.
Charlie Spargo, Alex Paech, Jy Lane, Langlands and Johnston are members of the Allies squad for the national carnival.
A development round will be played on the June 17 weekend with clubs required to play a number of bottom-age players.
In other matches over the weekend, Eastern Ranges edged out Sandringham Dragons by one point, Gippsland Power upset Geelong, Oakleigh Chargers defeated Western Jets, Calder Cannons upstaged Northern Knights and Dandenong Stingrays accounted for Bendigo.
The TAC ladder is:
Geelong Falcons 32, Oakleigh Chargers 28, Murray Bushrangers 28, Sandringham Dragons 20, Dandenong Stingrays 20, Northern Knights 20, Eastern Ranges 16, Gippsland Power 12, Greater Western 12, Bendigo Pioneers 12, Calder Cannons 8, Western Jets 8