The North Ballarat Rebels went one step closer to consolidating a place in the TAC Cup top eight when they defeated the Northern Knights at Victoria Park on Sunday.
A lack lustre start in perfect football conditions saw the Knights kick the first three goals, while the North Ballarat forwards failed to capitalise on a number of early opportunities.
Jed Adcock and Michael Searle were prominent early across half back, and it was only late in the term that Adam Campbell marked and kicked accurately to break a long string of North Ballarat behinds.
A Brad Sewell goal and a Knights reply opened the second term, as North Ballarat midfielders Adam Fisher and Ayden George won the ball at ground level and created opportunities for the high marking duo of Campbell and Luke Brennan.
Adcock continued to stand out with strong dashes and long kicks, and goals to Ryan Allan and Fisher kept the Rebels in tough, despite a Northern goal right on half-time.
A few home truths from coach Anthony Rock stung the Rebels into action, as goals to Brett Goodes after a 50m penalty, Adcock and Campbell gave them the lead for the first time of the day.
But Northern were not to be denied as they counter attacked with three goals, but Campbell replied.
Northern kicked another late goal, but again it was Campbell with a kick after the siren from outside the 50m mark who levelled the scores at the final break.
North Ballarat goals to Goodes and George created a handy lead, but again the Knights fought back with a goal, and the game was in the balance.
Northern continued to run hard and had plenty of the ball, but it was only after a fifth goal to Campbell that the Rebels were home for a well deserved win in a very strongly contested game.
Next week's trip away to play the highly-rated Oakleigh Chargers could ascertain just how genuine a finals contender the North Ballarat Rebels really are.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 12:58