The Roosters have recorded their seventh win of the season, after outclassing a favoured Bullants’ side in the grand final replay of 2010 at Visy Park on Saturday. Brendan Lucas reports.
After a tightly fought contest in the first half, the Roosters twelve goal second half - after holding just a 5-point lead at the main change - sealed the game, with the Bullants only managing just six second half goals.
In a game where turnovers were numerous, much of the game was won from rebounds and the ability to win the midfield contests, and North Ballarat seemed to get the upper hand at crucial stages in the match.
Roosters’ ruckman Orren Stephenson led the way in the centre throughout the day, his brilliant tap work providing great ball use for Cruize Garlett and Myles Sewell who were prolific all day. However, it was his around the ground work that provided the spark at the stoppages when the Roosters were in need, and finished with two goals up forward.
The first half was end-to-end football, but the Bullants were unable to capitalise on scoring opportunities, which ultimately put them one step behind throughout the day.
The Roosters’ six straight first quarter goals demonstrated their more efficient forward press and a greater ability to trap the ball in their forward half, with Matt Campbell kicking two crucial goals when it mattered.
On the other hand, rising youngster Ahmed Saad kicked three goals and Ash Arrowsmith helped to keep the Bullants’ chances alive. With a five-point difference at the main break, the game was there for the taking.
After the half, the Bullants’ were out to make amends, but it was the Roosters’ defensive pressure that helped to stem their quick forward movements.
Three goals to the Bullants’ late in the third, including Ash Arrowsmith’s third for the Bullants’ gave them a glimmer of hope, but despite their resurgence, they still trailed by 12-points at the last change.
At the three quarter time huddle, Bullants’ coach Darren Harris told his players to get the basics right in order to have any chance of winning the game.
“We need quick kick forward, we need to get some run out of our backs, our run should pick up so we can have the best chance possible at every contest,” he said.
Roosters’ coach Gerard FitzGerald took a more motivational stance at the last change urging his players to overcome the odds.
“Boys, this is the time for inspiration, no one said we could do this but we have got control of this, let’s go out there and win this one,” he said.
An early goal at the beginning of the last to the Bullants’ Tyson Thomas gave them the start they needed. However, four unanswered goals to the Roosters at the half way mark of the last put the game beyond reach. The Bullants’ were only able to manage one goal for the rest of the game, the Roosters’ running out to a comfortable 44-point win.
The Roosters face Sandringham this week at Eureka Stadium in a very winnable contest, whilst the Bullants face an in form Williamstown at the Preston City Oval.
Last Modified on 28/06/2011 18:16