Sport

Local talents lead Pioneers to thrilling victory over Bushrangers

By Alexander Dabb

Apr 2, 2024

Toll figure: Echuca’s Gus Toll rises for the easy hitout. Photos: Liam Nash Photo by Liam Nash

The Bendigo Pioneers have notched their second win from as many games in the Coates Talent League, with a number of local juniors playing a big role in the victory.

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Playing the Murray Bushrangers at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton on Good Friday, the Pioneers came from behind at three-quarter time to clinch a thrilling 14.12 (96) to 14.10 (94) triumph.

The Pioneers made the slightly better start to enjoy a five-point lead at the end of the first term, which was pushed out to seven points at the main break after both teams managed five goals in the second quarter.

The Bushies got the jump in the third, however, enjoying a five-goal-to-two quarter to take a 13-point lead and all of the momentum into the last term.

Standing up: Moama’s Jobe Shanahan walks back after a contested grab. Photo by Liam Nash

But the Pioneers hit back, peppering the goals to kick 4.6 in the final term while restricting the Bushrangers to just 2.3, securing a two-point win to remain undefeated after the opening two rounds.

The Moama trio of Lachie Hogan, Jobe Shanahan and Mitch Bell all took to the field, with Hogan impressing once again on-ball to be named in the best, as was Shanahan, who booted a team-high four goals.

Have a shot: Echuca United’s Oliver Poole streams toward goal. Photo by Liam Nash

Echuca United’s Oliver Poole showed why he is being talked about as a potential AFL mid-season draft option, finishing with two goals, while Leitchville-Gunbower’s James Barrat added another three majors to his tally for 2024.

Echuca pair Tom Evans and Gus Toll were also productive, with Evans kicking a crucial goal in the third term to stop the run of five consecutive goals by the Bushrangers.

The Pioneers will travel to Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday to take on Gippsland Power in round three before enjoying a three-week break.