The North Ballarat Rebels took another step towards appearing in the TAC Cup final series with a convincing win over second placed Oakleigh Chargers at their home ground on Saturday.
A quick goal to Oakleigh and a reply by Dean Chester set the game in motion as both sides appeared to sense the importance of the clash with both Clubs coming off recent good wins.
North Ballarat made some positional changes and the move of Daniel Matthews to centre half back was a winner as he took all before him in a best on ground performance.
Brett Goodes was lively at half forward and his goal and another to Justin Eales gave the Rebels an edge at quarter time.
The Chargers were under pressure around the packs with Adam Fisher and Brad Sewell out bustling their opposition and continually driving the ball deep into the Rebels forward area. Goals to Goodes and Fisher extended the lead but as is the standard of the competition there is no time for relaxation as the Chargers kicked two quick goals to be within one kick at the long break.
Oakleigh took the lead with two more goals but then Matthews, Jed Adcock and Denni Turnbull steadied the ship and North Ballarat regained composure with goals to Ayden George, Fisher and Scott Sellers.
The home side appeared to lift but once more found the Rebels defence standing firm and further goals to George and Fisher set up a handy lead. A Chargers goal closed the gap but the North Ballarat mid field created opportunities and George and Sellers goaled. But to their credit Oakligh responded with three goals and the game was again in the balance.
Sellers long goal was the sealer for the Rebels and this important win away from home could make them a legitimate finals contender, especially if they can maintain their intensity at the contest and capitalise on the forward opportunities created by an improving mid field group.
North Ballarat Rebels 14.9 (93) d Oakleigh Chargers 11.9 (75)
Best: Matthews, Fisher, Sewell, Turnbull, Adcock, Goodes, Swanton
Goals: George 3, Goodes 3, Fisher 3, Sellers 3, Chester, Eales
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 12:59