After leading by six goals at the main break, Murray was unable to contain a rampant Rebels outfit that clawed its way home to win by 11 points in the NAB League under-19 boys match.
The Rebels stormed home with nine of the last 10 goals to secure a 10.10 (70) to 8.11 (59) win at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval.
“We were disappointed to not walk away with the win, especially after we dominated the first half,” Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said.
“We lost two boys to injury and that really impacted our rotations for the rest of the game.
“Full credit to Rebels for toughing it out, they are a quality team. But we probably needed to control and contain the game better in the second half, we just couldn't sustain it.
“But that's the beauty of the NAB League, it's a great learning curve for the group and we have been really pleased with what we've seen in the past two rounds.”
Led by co-captain Kade Chalcraft, the Bushies began the match in stellar fashion.
The Shepparton United on-baller monstered his way around the contest, gathering 25 disposals and six tackles, as Murray led by 38 points at the main break.
Euroa speedster Tom Panuccio (20 disposals, one goal) continued his red-hot form, while Finley export Ben Ashley-Cooper (one goal) was influential around the ground.
“Kade set the scene in the first half with his clean ball use. He was one of the best on the ground,” Brown said.
“Tom continued his great form out on the wing. He has the ability to make an impact in the defensive end, as well as up forward and he plays his role brilliantly.
“And Ben gives us great effort, you know when you are at a contest when he is there.”
One big omission before the bounce of the ball was star talent Josh Rachele.
The Shepparton Swans product was managed after he received friendly fire from a teammate the previous weekend.
“He copped a bit of a knock and he had a big week training with Carlton and he has got a really busy program coming up this year,” Brown said.
But with Rachele out of the line-up it paved the way for two talented Shepparton prospects to get a taste of NAB League football.
Shepparton's Matt Pellegrino (17 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) and Shepparton United's Bowen Calogero (10 touches) stepped up to the plate.
Brown praised the performances of the junior pair.
“Matt was really impressive in his first game. He handled the speed of NAB League footy really well,” he said.
“He also has a great defensive component which he showed with seven tackles.
“And Bowen had some great passages as well. The best thing for those boys is they will be better for the experience.”
● Murray Bushrangers’ boys’ outfit will not be in action for another four weeks, while the girls will return this coming weekend to finish off their season.
THE GAME
Murray Bushrangers 4.2, 7.6, 7.8, 8.11 (59)
Greater Western Victoria Rebels 1.2, 1.4, 5.6, 10.10 (70)
Bushies goals: Toby Murray 2, Logan Berryman, Matt Pellegrino, Ben Ashley-Cooper, Tom Panuccio, Charlie Byrne, Maclayn Hallows 1
Bushies best: Daniel Turner, Pat Parnell, Ben Ashley-Cooper, Maclayn Hallows, Tom Panuccio, Tyler Norton
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