North Ballarat missed a golden opportunity for a top eight spot when they were overrun by a tenacious Coburg at Mantello Holden Oval Sunday. The home side kicked six unanswered goals in the final term to overrun the Roosters winning by 16 points, as Shane Goss reports.
The loss sees North Ballarat now in a three-way battle with the Northern Blues and Essendon with Frankston one game further back and just three matches remaining in the season.
Coburg string-bean forward, Liam McBean, was the star of the day bagging six goals in a match-winning display. It was a game the Roosters were expected to win, given their recent form and push for finals action. However Coburg, ahead of only the winless Bendigo Gold on the ladder, were relentless in their attack on the ball and despite the rain in the last quarter they managed to overcome a three-quarter-time deficit and record a stirring win.
The first quarter was a dour struggle as both sides fumbled their way through the mud and slippery conditions. Coburg took a seven-point lead to the huddle thanks to goals from Liam Brandt and McBean.
In the second quarter North Ballarat got on top with midfielders Myles Sewell and Steve Clifton finding plenty of the ball. Forward Cameron Richardson (2 goals) and skipper Michael Searl were providing targets up forward and Liam Hoy and Oliver Tate were solid down back.
Three goals to McBean in the quarter kept Courg in touch of the Roosters who led by seven points at the main break.
As conditions deteriorated in the third quarter the game remained tight although the Roosters did threaten to open a break on their opponents as Nick Rippon kicked truly and Richardson added another. Late goals to Aaron Edwards, who had been well held by Luke Kiel, Ben Clifton from the boundary and one to McBean from fifty on the siren, reduced the Roosters’ lead to just five points at the final change.
Searl goaled early for the visitors to put them thirteen points ahead and it looked like they were on their way to victory. Coburg had other ideas as Nick Maric snapped truly then Edwards goaled from close range to put Coburg in front. They piled on another four goals to open a match winning break on the Roosters. Late goals to Bryce Curnow and Searl again gave some hope to the Roosters but the damage was done.
Coburg revelled in the rain with Robin Nahas (29 disposals), Sam Lonergan, Daniel Venditti and Ozgur Uysal providing plenty of run when it was needed. McBean with 15 disposals and six goals was the difference up forward whilst Tom Derickx won the battle of the big men in the ruck.
For North Ballarat, usual suspects Sewell (34) and Clifton (27) rarely play a bad game and Nick Rippon (23) is emerging as AFL scouts hover. Defenders Hoy and Tate never gave in while Searl (14) with three goals and Lachie George were also in their best.
Coburg will hope to string wins together as they take on Bendigo Gold in the next round while North Ballarat face a must win game at home against Collingwood.
Photo: Shane Goss
Last Modified on 05/08/2013 09:37