MURRAY Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier says the Bushies’ inability to handle Gippsland’s pressure was what ultimately cost them on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bushrangers suffered a 25-point loss to the Power in a low- scoring affair at Craigieburn.
Scores were locked at 21 apiece at quarter-time but it was Gippsland who took the contest by the scruff of the neck from that point on.
“At the end of the day you either out-pressure your opposition or get out-pressured and we got out-pressured,” Ogier said.
“We didn’t use the ball as well as we needed to and started making fundamental errors.
“They used the ball a lot better going forward.
“They put us under the pump and we couldn’t respond the way we needed to.”
North Albury big man Isaac Muller was again the standout for the Bushrangers and won plenty of admirers with his work in the ruck.
Key defender Daniel Howe, who is poised to play for Ovens and Murray heavyweight Yarrawonga when free of TAC Cup commitments, stood out across half-back.
Nathan Drummond was good in the midfield, with Tom Holman, Josh Schache and Jackson Clarke also named in the Bushrangers’ best players.
Schache booted three goals in the defeat.
Sam Skinner kicked four goals for the Power to lead them to victory.