COBRAM youngster Esava Ratugolea kicked eight goals in the Murray Bushrangers’ 72-point victory over Bendigo Pioneers at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ratugolea finished with the biggest bag for the club since No.2 draft pick Josh Schache booted seven against the Pioneers in round one last season.
Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom holds the record of 10 goals against Dandenong in the TAC Cup grand final in 2008.
Ratugolea marked everything that came his way in only his third match of the season after returning from a knee injury.
“Esava and Max Lynch played forward/ruck and both were dominant in the midfield and up forward,” talent manager Lee Fraser said.
“It was a really good haul.
“His contested marking was good and he kicked straight as well.
“He’s hit the ground running after missing the start of the season.
“It was another strong effort.”
Albury’s Lachie Tiziani also cut the Pioneers to ribbons across half-forward with his class netting him five majors.
Trent McMullan was another to shine with three goals in his first match back from injury.
“It was a really convincing performance,” Fraser said.
“The boys’ pressure across the ground early was good and it set the tone for the day.
“To be able to capitalise up forward by hitting the scoreboard was good as well.
“It was a good win.”
It was the second time this season the Bushrangers have belted the Pioneers after winning by 68 points in the opening round.
Leon Higgins’ side led by 20 points at quarter-time and 38 at half-time before exploding with eight goals to two in the third quarter to open up a huge lead.
The Bushrangers take on Eastern Ranges at Albury Sportsground at 12pm on Sunday.
The Ranges are coming off a disappointing loss to Calder Cannons.
Meanwhile, Albury’s Zac Sproule was one of the Allies’ best players in their 17-point loss to Western Australia at Domain Stadium on Saturday.
Although he finished with only one goal, the big forward presented well and provided a strong target.
Koby Mutch, Harry Perryman, Todd Marshall and Harry Macreadie also performed well.
Koby Mutch (18 disposals) and Brad Scheer (17) were the major ball winners for the Allies, while Perryman (12 touches) worked tirelessly.
Western Australia got the jump on the Allies early in the game, taking a 25-point lead into half-time on the back of their midfield dominance.
It was a vastly improved performance by the Allies who started the carnival with a loss to South Australia.
