It was a case of dusting off the cobwebs for the Murray Bushrangers at Deakin Reserve on Sunday.
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Murray suffered a 64-point loss to country rival Bendigo Pioneers as the sides duked it out in their opening match of the NAB League under-19 boys season.
Bendigo ran away with eight goals to one in the final term to seal a dominant 19.11 (125) to 9.7 (61) victory.
After an even opening quarter, the Pioneers were able to dictate the contest with classy ball movement as Murray coughed up possession.
The Bushies led by four points early in the second term, but a string of goals to Bendigo allowed them to take a 15-point buffer at the main break.
Murray was unable to get a look in as Bendigo extended its margin after half-time.
A 20-point three-quarter time lead became a 10-goal win as Bendigo got the last laugh over the Bushrangers.
“It was nice to be back and seeing the boys run out, but it would've been even nicer to have walked away with the win,” Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said.
“I felt like they played the game on their terms.
“We weren't clean with the ball, which was expected after so long without playing, but it didn't improve and to their credit they didn't let us improve.
“We were outplayed and full credit needs to go to Bendigo. They were better than us, they transitioned better than us.
“But now we go to work on improving and we know what areas need improving. We'll work hard during the week as we prepare to take on Geelong.”
Shepparton United's Jhett Cooper slotted a major, while United teammate and Bushies captain Kade Chalcraft racked up 18 disposals.
Euroa's Tom Panuccio, Shepparton's Achoung Agog and Finley export Ben Ashley-Cooper all tallied double digits in the disposal column.
Shepparton Swans talent Josh Rachele kicked a goal and finished with 17 disposals, six marks and five inside 50s, as he finished in the list of better players.
“Josh probably ended up playing more midfield time than we would have liked, but we weren't getting the ball out of the middle,” Brown said.
“I think he is more damaging around goals. He kicked one goal and three behinds, so he created opportunities when he was in attack.
“Like everyone, he was a bit rusty, but they will all be better for it in the long run.”
● This weekend the Bushrangers are up against Geelong Flacons at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval.
THE GAME
Murray Bushrangers 2.2, 5,3, 8.6, 9.7 (61)
Bendigo Pioneers 3.2, 7.6, 11.8, 19.11 (125)
Bushies goals: Cam McLeod, Ryan Eyers 2, Jhett Cooper, Noah Bradshaw, Declan Bren, Toby Murray, Josh Rachele 1
Bushies best: Cam McLeod, Daniel Turner, Ryan Eyers, Maclayn Hallows, Pat Parnell, Josh Rachele
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Sports Editor