Cobram’s Olivia Thompson was the only local taking to the field, though, and provided plenty, however it wasn’t enough to help her side over the line against a strong Chargers outfit.
Amassing nine disposals (five kicks, four handballs), a mark and a tackle, Thompson was a handy contributor in her fifth outing for the representative side this season, although the Bushrangers ultimately went down 1.4 (10) to 11.8 (74).
A number of Goulburn Valley representatives were among the best in the loss, too, with Shepparton United’s Lana Carroll named best on ground, having been a force in defence for the Bushrangers and with five tackles and three rebound 50s was acknowledged for efforts in a dogged Murray display.
Shepparton Swans’ Eve Cook also featured in the best, while United’s Leila Creevey also took to the field for her sixth Bushrangers’ outing this year.
The boys side also had a number of Goulburn Valley talents in action, although they fared the same way as the girls, going down 8.11 (59) to 10.11 (71) to a top eight side in the Chargers.
Shepparton’s Lincoln Brand continued where he left off the previous week, kicking a goal and amassing 31 touches in the two-goal loss, while fellow Bears teammate Jack Mellington’s 23 disposals, one goal and seven marks earned him maximum votes.
Bear Archer Hueston was lively with nine marks in the forward half and had two shots on goal, while bottom-age talent Alex Whitlock backed up a solid debut with a goal and 14 disposals.
A four-goal-to-one third term nearly revived the boys Bushies for an upset victory at Wangaratta Showgrounds, but a side stacked with Goulburn Valley talent featuring Samuel Guppy (Mansfield), Jamaron Atkinson (Rumbalara), Spencer Sharp, Hunter Howells (Shepparton), Lucas O’Hara, Blake Sofra (Shepparton United) and Patrick McCarthy (Tatura) was unable to overcome Oakleigh by the final siren.
The Bushrangers will take a fortnight’s break alongside a large portion of the Talent League competition as National Championships kick off on Sunday, June 14 for Vic Country.
Shepparton-based Talent League fixtures are scheduled at Mercury Drive, Shepparton, and Deakin Reserve on June 27 and July 11.
