The story line followed the same old path as it has done all year for the Northern Blues as they once again fell short of a win despite giving North Ballarat a scare at Eureka Stadium in Ballarat. In soggy conditions the home-side kicked away to a 26-point win and in doing so kept their top 8 aspirations alive as Damian Tardio reports.
With a history of big games between the two sides, this was no exception. But on this occasion it would not be a game to determine finals or premiership glory, with both teams languishing toward the bottom reaches of the ladder.
The Northern Blues looked anything but a bottom side in the opening quarter as they jumped the Roosters early, applying pressure all over of the ground and finding the football first to lead by 7 points at the first change. Led by Nick Meese in the ruck, the Blues midfield held sway and contributed to the great start dominating the centre clearances and finding open space to allow the Blues running game to take control.
At the quarter-time huddle Northern Blues coach Robert Hyde implored his men to continue on with the start they had built and head into the major change in front. A lead at the halftime break was not to be for the Blues as the good work came undone in the second term as they conceded the first five goals of the quarter as North Ballarat clicked into gear. In a positive for Robert Hyde the Blues were able to show some fight and claw their way back into the contest to keep the game alive. The exciting Dylan Buckley was the catalyst for the revival, just as he did against Werribee he led the way kicking two classy goals.
The Blues began the second half the better of the two sides as Bret Thornton continued to provide a target up forward slotting home his third of the afternoon and relished the role of being the main focal point. When Paul Bower went for a dashing run down the middle of Eureka Stadium and launched a long range effort on target the Blues were in arrears by 10 points with a quarter of football to be played and an opportunity to finally record a second win for 2012. With Paul DiRago holding the backline together the Blues thwarted countless attacking efforts from the Roosters and kept them goalless.
Like many games in 2012, the Blues were left with-out petrol tickets and stalled as North Ballarat raced home with five goals to two in the final stanza to position themselves on the cusp of the top eight whilst the Northern Blues slumped to last on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder for the first time this season.
Despite the difficulties endured so far in 2012, the Northern Blues were buoyed by the return to senior football by former Richmond and Hawthorn player Carl Peterson. Hyde was pleased with the return given the lack of match fitness and said Peterson still had what it took for a return to higher competition.
Carton- listed players Ed Curnow and Tom Bell were both shining lights on a dark and damp day for the Blues. Curnow found the football 33 times, while Tom Bell continues to impress and gain match fitness after a late start to his 2012 season.
23rd player for the Roosters Wilbur Pomorin led the goal kicking for the home side with three, whilst Liam Anthony, Cruize Garlett and Cam Richardson were amongst their best.
Last Modified on 19/06/2012 07:51