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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Far from disappointed, Whittle saw an encouraging and ultra-competitive first-up effort as a strong launching pad for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n
“That was the first time we had everyone together as a full crew,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We have a few boys from Melbourne, so it’s hard for them to get to training.<\/p>\n
“But to have a nice first hit-out like that, I’m pretty excited about how we will go this season.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“But it was definitely a strong contest \u2026 physical \u2026 and has set us up nicely for the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“President Mikey (Dynon) said a few words before the boys went out on the field. It was a great moment for us.<\/p>\n
“A lot of time has gone into getting this off the ground, so it was good to finally be out there.”<\/p>\n
Standouts for the Crushers included Whittle (two tries), Adam Mitchell and Elsie Tuitupou, while James Orme and Cooper Bentley led by example.<\/p>\n
A tough road clash against Frankston Raiders awaits the Crushers, with Whittle confident of their chances of a breakthrough.<\/p>\n
“We’ll need to tighten up defensively; we gave the Eagles some easy metres with some ill-discipline at times,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We’d piggyback them down the field, which put some stress on the boys, going back and defending set after set.<\/p>\n
“Pack-wise, we’re not far off it.”<\/p>\n
Future rivals in the five-team competition include the Waverley Panthers and Peninsula Dolphins.<\/p>\n
President Dynon could only see only positives in the Crushers’ first-up performance.<\/p>\n
“Boys gave it their all. Proud of what this group has achieved,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Better and stronger each week. Bring on the next game.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n