On the boot: Tongala’s Harley Reid gets his kick away during the Bendigo Pioneers’ victory over Tasmania. Photo: Greg Lyon
Bendigo Pioneers overcame a slow start to topple Tasmania at Arden St in North Melbourne during round two of the Coates Talent League at the weekend.
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A seven-goal-to-one second quarter helped the Pioneers to a 32-point lead at half-time after trailing by seven at the first break, and coach Danny O’Bree credited his players for their swift response en route to the 14.13 (97) to 8.11 (59) win.
“It looked like we were going to get pumped by 20 goals in the first quarter,” O’Bree said.
“We were fortunate they didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities but our boys in the second quarter really put the foot down.
“It was mentioned at quarter-time in terms of our team orientation, we seemed to be looking after ourselves a bit.
“They were brilliant after that, they played a real team brand of footy.
“Full credit to them, they haven’t played much together but gee whiz they’re quite a close group.”
Tongala’s Harley Reid played a captain’s game, leading from the front with 25 touches and two goals as the highly-touted young gun continued his strong start to the year.
After booting two goals in his top-age debut against Giants Academy in round two, Leitchville-Gunbower’s James Barrat backed it up with three against the Devils.
Barrat proved a strong presence alongside Echuca’s Hugh Byrne, who booted his second three-goal haul in as many weeks.
Leaping: Echuca’s Hugh Byrne jumps to reel in the Sherrin during the Pioneers’ clash against Tasmania. Photo: Greg Lyon
Echuca United’s Oliver Poole was named in the best players once again on the wing for the Pioneers, with the Murray Bombers’ Tom Evans joining him there as a bottom-ager.
“I thought Harley was probably the standout,” O’Bree said.
“Hugh Byrne nearly had a day out again, I think that’s two in a row. He’s on the verge of a break-out game, he kicked 3.3 for the day.”
The Pioneers are sitting in fourth spot with a clash against Gippsland Power set for Sunday at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo.
Meanwhile, the Pioneers girls succumbed to Tasmania by 32 points despite spirited performances from Jemmika Douglas, Emma Daley, and Lila Keck. Keeley Fullerton booted two goals.
Bendigo now holds back-to-back byes and will return to play against Geelong Falcons on May 21.
