No fairytale win, but Crushers do themselves proud on debut

IT wasn’t the result they were hoping for, but NRL Victoria Storm Metro Premiership newcomers the Bendigo Crushers made a strong impression on debut last Saturday.

The Crushers, who have started life in division three of the premiership competition, showed more than enough glimpses of their potential in a 32-12 loss to a seasoned Hume Eagles at Craigieburn.

Hopes of a dream first-up win were ignited when captain-coach John Whittle sent the Crushers ahead 4-0 early in the first half with the club’s first try.

A successful conversion from the boot of Whittle made it 6-0 before the Eagles rattled off three straight tries to end the half 18-6 ahead.

The second half started much like the way the first did with Whittle breaking through for another try, to eventually reduce the margin to six points.

That would be it as far as scoring went for the Crushers, as the Eagles reasserted their dominance in the latter stages for a 20-point win.

Far from disappointed, Whittle saw an encouraging and ultra-competitive first-up effort as a strong launching pad for the rest of the season.

“That was the first time we had everyone together as a full crew,” he said.

“We have a few boys from Melbourne, so it’s hard for them to get to training.

“But to have a nice first hit-out like that, I’m pretty excited about how we will go this season.

“We had a few tries disallowed and a couple of what you’d call controversial calls go against us, but that’s part of the game.

“But it was definitely a strong contest … physical … and has set us up nicely for the weeks ahead.

“It was good just to get the season underway,” Whittle added in response to the club’s intended first game being cancelled due to Sunbury forfeiting.

“President Mikey (Dynon) said a few words before the boys went out on the field. It was a great moment for us.

“A lot of time has gone into getting this off the ground, so it was good to finally be out there.”

Standouts for the Crushers included Whittle (two tries), Adam Mitchell and Elsie Tuitupou, while James Orme and Cooper Bentley led by example.

A tough road clash against Frankston Raiders awaits the Crushers, with Whittle confident of their chances of a breakthrough.

“We’ll need to tighten up defensively; we gave the Eagles some easy metres with some ill-discipline at times,” he said.

“We’d piggyback them down the field, which put some stress on the boys, going back and defending set after set.

“Pack-wise, we’re not far off it.”

Future rivals in the five-team competition include the Waverley Panthers and Peninsula Dolphins.

President Dynon could only see only positives in the Crushers’ first-up performance.

“Boys gave it their all. Proud of what this group has achieved,” he said.

“Better and stronger each week. Bring on the next game.”