ONE of the longest losing streaks in Turvey Park’s history is over after the Bulldogs enjoyed a 41-point victory over Narrandera on Saturday.
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The Bulldogs registered their first win since July 26, 2014, and in the process, ended a 36-game losing streak, with a hard-fought win, 10.17 (77) to 4.12 (36) in front of a good crowd at Maher Oval.
Turvey Park’s off-season recruitment blitz paid off as the new-look Bulldogs got Mitch Sykes’ coaching rein off to the perfect start.
At times it was far from pretty, but the signs were there for Turvey Park that the future is bright.
Matt Bailey was terrific across half-back in his first game for the Bulldogs, while returning players Josh Ashcroft, Bryce McPherson and Truman Carroll all played big parts in the win.
Sykes said it was a big moment for the club.
“Sensational,” Sykes said.
“It’s not so much for me individually but for everybody at Turvey Park, it’s been a long time.
“It’s a win that’s round one but for the people that grind it out day-to-day, it’s just fantastic.
“Us boys play the game, it’s the people that volunteer, come here and watch the game when things are tough, and are still here, that it’s fantastic for.”
Turvey Park were inaccurate throughout but their 14-point quarter-time lead could have been much bigger if they made the most of their opportunities.
Narrandera upped the ante in the second term but struggled to convert as the margin edged out to 19 points at the main break.
There was a period of about 60 minutes from early in the second term, to midway through the last quarter, that just two goals were kicked.
The Bulldogs finished with a late flurry of goals to celebrate the win in style.
Sykes was certainly not getting in the moment when assessing the Bulldogs’ round one performance.
He was happy to get the four points but knows there is plenty of room for improvement.
“We can improve,” he said.
“The fight’s there, it’s just a bit of execution and obviously goalkicking. We made it harder for ourselves with our goalkicking.
“There’s good signs and there’s stuff to work on, which is what you want I guess.”
Narrandera coach Jarred Lane was a standout for the Eagles. He started in the ruck and worked tirelessly around the ground.
Steve Irons gave the Eagles run from defence, while Michael Cummins also had a good game for the visitors.
Bailey was Turvey Park’s best, providing great rebound from half-back, while Ashcroft proved he will be a great asset to the Bulldogs’ midfield. Carroll bounced back from an early concussion to play a strong game.