EASTERN RANGES
A goal in the dying minutes of the game saw the Eastern Ranges taste of sweet victory slip away.
Despite a closely contended four-point loss against the Western Jets: 15.9 (99) to 14.11 (95), there is still a glimmer of hope for finals action for the Ranges this season.
A strong three-quarter performance by the Ranges kept their finals hopes alive as they took control of the round 14 clash early against the Western Jets.
One goal ahead at the first term, the Ranges advanced on their lead breaking away to a three goal lead before the main break.
The Ranges forward line was unstoppable, Jonathon Patton outsmarting his opponent to kick four majors for the day.
In the second half the Ranges faced faster and competitive game play by the Jets, who closed a three goal margin to two-points at the end of the third term.
As the final term approached quickly, it was almost given that the last 30 minutes would display a showdown between the two sides, who just sit under the top eight.
Hungry for a win and a chance to play in the finals the Ranges held their ground and continued to battle through the fourth quarter.
But it wasn’t enough to claim victory at the end of the day, as the Jets stole the last glimpse of victory with a kick snap at goal in the dying minutes of the match, to defeat the Ranges by four-points.
This week’s match saw much improvement in the Ranges forwardline in terms of accuracy and competition for the ball.
Whilst Patton lead the Ranges scoreboard with four to his name, teammates Hayden Crozier, Michael Bussey and Alex Greenwood all slotted through two majors respectively.
Ranges skipper Cameron O’Shea was best on ground with a strong performance throughout the midfield while Karl Toce also had a commendable day.
With only three more rounds to go before September, it is crucial for the Ranges to win all their games in order to qualify for finals action.
Over the next few weeks they will face Greater Western Sydney, Geelong Falcons and Calder Cannons.
Although some tough matches await the Ranges a win is not impossible, with the Ranges proving an upset victory back in round six against the Falcons by two-points.
This week in round 15, the Ranges will face Greater Western Sydney, whose finals hopes have already been ruled out for season 2010.
The Ranges will travel up to Sydney to play at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 31st July, at 3:30pm.
SCORES |
| TEAMS | TIME/VENUE |
14.11-95 |
| 1:00 PM | |
|
| def. by | |
15.9-99 |
| ||
Goal Kickers: J. Patton 4, H. Crozier 2, M. Bussey 2, A. Greenwood 2, L. Hill, K. Toce, R. Wilson, J. Field | |||
