Murray Bushrangers claim big scalp of Sandringham Dragons

By Aydin Payne

May 24, 2023

Shepparton United talent Oscar Ryan. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos

Murray Bushrangers claimed a huge scalp at the weekend in the Coates Talent League boys competition by knocking off top four outfit Sandringham.

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It was a pair of Goulburn Valley League talents who starred for the Bushrangers in the 26-point triumph, with Shepparton United’s Oscar Ryan and Mooroopna’s Coby James starring in the win.

Ryan and James were judged first and second best for the Bushies in the 11.11 (77) to 7.9 (51) victory at Wangaratta Showgrounds on Saturday.

Ryan, playing off half-back, was a standout with 20 disposals, six rebound 50s, three inside 50s and three tackles.

The United young gun has continued his impressive draft season and has been in the best players on four occasions from five games.

On-ball jet James was able to hit the scoreboard with a goal from his 20 disposals and five inside 50s.

James flexed his muscles with five bruising tackles.

Mansfield winger Ben Les made his Talent League debut in the win.

The win over the Dragons lifts Murray into 11th on the ladder ahead of a road trip to take on dominant outfit Geelong Falcons on Sunday at Avalon Airport Oval.

In the girls program, Murray Bushrangers were on the receiving end of a 43-point defeat to Brisbane Lions Academy.

Shepparton Swans duo Ellie Armstrong and Atong Dang were among the standouts in the loss.

Armstrong was lively across half-forward with 14 disposals and five tackles.

The Bushies girls will run out following the boys on Sunday in a double-header at Avalon Airport Oval.

Lastly, Bendigo Pioneers suffered a narrow 12-point defeat to Geelong on Sunday.

With up to seven front-line Pioneers out of action, including captain and Tongala star Harley Reid, a poor first quarter at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo proved costly as the Falcons kept the Pioneers at arm’s length to record a 10.10 (70) to 8.10 (58) win.

“It was a bit of licorice allsorts,” Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree said.

“We couldn’t have had a worse first quarter, but as poorly as we played we still had some really good ball movement.

“We had good 10-minute periods, and that’s how we stayed in the game. It took us a bit to get back into the swing of Talent League football.”

Echuca United’s Oliver Poole stood up once again for Bendigo, earning his fourth nomination in the best players bracket in five games, as the midfielder’s consistent season continued.

Poole was one of eight goal-kickers for the Pioneers, while Moama’s Jobe Shanahan was also a solid performer in defeat.