NAB League: Dandenong Stingrays edge Tassie Devils by four points

Four first-gamers made the trip to Hobart and helped the Dandenong Stingrays defeat Tasmania Devils in a tough NAB League match.

Bailey Schmidt and first-gamer Flynn Hynes (right) after the Stingrays’ win.

Another narrow win for the Dandenong Stingrays. And another batch of first-gamers to the NAB League.

The Stingrays on Saturday preserved their undefeated record this season when they held out Tasmania Devils in a rugged match at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, 9.6 (60) to 8.8 (56).

Two goals from Clayton Gay early in the last quarter gave the Rays a 21-point lead.

But the Devils, spurred on by a partisan crowd, finished strongly, booting four unanswered goals to grab the lead in the 16th minute.

The Stingrays regained it when Declan Gould, on debut, was awarded a free kick after being collected from behind.

He slotted the goal from 30m to give the visitors a four-point advantage close to the 21-minute mark. They held it for the remaining four minutes.

“We were probably a bit lucky in the end but good teams seem to find a way to get over the line,’’ coach Nick Cox said.

“It was very pleasing. It was a tight, contested game of footy and a great experience for our players, great for their development. No doubt a few of them were sore after the game.’’

Max Gregory suffered concussion and did not play after half time.

Stingrays coach Nick Cox. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Gould, from Crib Point, Taj Westworth from Pines, Aston Williamson from Narre Warren and Flynn Hynes from Bonbeach made their debuts for the Stingrays as bottom-agers (they have now used 40 players this season) and all had their moments.

Hynes, the son of former Carlton defender and Frankston VFL captain John Hynes, did particularly well at half back and half forward.

“He was clean and made some good decisions,’’ Cox said.

MITCH RIORDAN IN DRAFT MIX

STINGRAYS ON TOP

Gould and Williamson played in the forward line and Westworth on the wing.

Ruckman Bailey Schmidt was best-afield.

“He’s making a big statement, the way he’s playing at the moment,’’ Cox said of the 19-year-old.

Hayden Young, Mitch Riordan, Gay (three goals), wingman Nathan Heath and key defender Henry Berenger were other worthy contributors.