THE Murray Bushrangers are one step closer to the finals after one of their most convincing performances of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bushies showed no signs of fatigue after spending the night away as they beat Eastern Ranges 14.9 (93) to 10.13 (73).
Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier said his team played one of its best opening quarters to set the tone for the TAC Cup clash.
“We took this week as a final and it’s going to be the same again next week,” Ogier said.
“And you never know what’s going to happen when you travel — we stayed overnight and that can sometimes put your plans into jeopardy.
“But everything went to plan from the start and the first quarter was as good as we have played throughout the season.”
Making their mark for the Bushies were some of the team’s younger players.
In his second game Jy Simpkin kicked four goals while first gamer Will Brodie booted two.
“Our bottom-age boys were very good,” Ogier said.
“Brodie, Simpkin and Michael Reidy were very impressive, they did a really good job.”
Simpkin and Brodie had both played in the under-16 national championships earlier this year.
But it was also a game where senior Bushies stood up to be counted.
“Our leaders and experienced players really stood up,” Ogier said.
“Nick Mellington was terrific, as was Brydan Hodgson, Nathan Drummond in the midfield did a fantastic job and Tom Holman was fantastic in the back half.”
The only disappointment for Ogier was the Bushrangers let Eastern Ranges back into the game at stages, including the final term where they outscored the Bushies.
“We’ll have to take it up another step next week,” he said.