By Jed Lanyon
As another lockdown ended, NAB League action returned as the Eastern Ranges Under 19 Boys enjoyed a 27 point win over the Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval.
The Ranges proved their first encounter with the Stingrays last month was no fluke as Eastern pipped them in a two point thriller, won in the dying minutes.
After scoring just one goal in the opening term, Eastern tore the game open by piling on six unanswered goals to turn a 12 point deficit into a 28 point halftime lead.
The Ranges midfield brigade gelled well after missing playing time due to Vic Metro and VFL representation as well as injuries. Captain Josh Clarke collected an equal game-high 28 disposals, while Jake Soligo and Max Hall gathered 25 each and both hit the scoreboard to kick 1.2 each.
It comes as AFL Draft hopeful Tyler Sonsie continues to recover from bruising to his knee, which has seen him sit out for several weeks now.
Eastern’s lead extended to 44 points in the third quarter, but Dandenong refused to go down without a fight and kept the Ranges to just one goal in the final term.
It marked the fourth consecutive win for the Ranges, who were coming off a losing streak of four games. This latest win propels them into finals contention as the end of the season draws closer.
Eastern Ranges: 1.4, 8.8, 12.9, 13.13 – 91
Dandenong Stingrays: 2.4, 4.4, 6.10, 9.10 – 64
Goals: T. Charlton 3, J. Arundell 3, K. Windsor 2, S. Ali 2, J. Soligo, M. Hall, N. Watson
Best: C. Preston, J. Weatherill, T. Leiu, M. Hall, J. Soligo, J. Clarke
