Warragul Industrials marking defender Alixzander Tauru has returned to the Coates League in fine style as Gippsland ran out 11.11 77 to 8.7 55 victors over Murray.
In his second match back from a hip injury after playing local senior footy last week, Tauru took nine marks in an intercepting masterclass.
He finished with 23 disposals and was able to quell the influence of Murray’s marking forwards as the Bushrangers were playing catch up all day after a six goal to two opening stanza.
Marking forward Asher Eastham set up the win at ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne.
The 189cm player kicked three of his four goals in the first quarter, the midfield connecting well with him as he was matched up on Allies-listed Ben Kennedy.
Brodie Atkins continued his strong form through the midfield, Berwick’s Harrison Canning gave his direct opponent no room all day and was influential despite finishing with just five touches and Zach O’Keefe had his best game at the level.
Meanwhile, Vic Country-listed Xavier Lindsay and Willem Duursma – 20 and 15 disposals respectively and three goals between them – had nice moments without being at their damaging best.
Gippsland’s girls, meanwhile, had a bye and will be back in action on Sunday against Tassie, while the boys have a match against Geelong following that clash.
Meanwhile Charlie Orchard and Jordan Doherty led Dandenong to a comprehensive 14.15 99 to 8.1 49 victory over Oakleigh at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston on Friday night.
Pressure forward Harry Doughton kicked the first two of the night and his Stingrays kicked the first five to get the jump on an Oakleigh side weakened by the absence of most first choice players competing in schoolboy footy.
Cooper Hynes also kicked two in the first quarter, showing his strength and craft inside 50, finishing with 27 disposals, five tackles and three goals.
Despite a quiet period in the second quarter which enabled the Chargers to close to within six just before the main break, Dandenong was never seriously threatened.
Nine goals to three in the second half put the game to bed.
Five goals in a 15-minute period of the third quarter opened the game up as the Stingrays showed the class difference.
The home side also brought the heat, finishing with just two fewer tackles despite winning the possession count +49.
Charlie Orchard was a clear standout in defence, taking his strong form as an intercepting weapon to another level with 14 disposals and nine marks.
The 190cm talent came into the game nicely, cutting off deep and dangerous entries and playing with desperation and resilience.
Doherty’s silky skills in general play were also noteworthy for a key position player, while Berwick’s Kane Hurst and bottom-aged players Tyson Anic, Quinn Harvey and Toby Sinnema also had strong moments.
Harvey Langford, meanwhile, backed up his strong performance for Vic Country last week with a balanced 25-disposal, nine-tackle effort.
The match was played before dozens of former Stingrays, with the club organising a past players function which was well attended and highlighted the privilege of representing the region.
The Stingrays girls had a bye but will be back in action next Saturday at Shepley Oval as part of a double header with the boys against Bendigo Pioneers.
