The North Ballarat Rebels hung on to win by the narrowest of margins despite an unconvincing second half of football against the Geelong Falcons in their TAC Cup game at the Northern Oval on Saturday.
In perfect conditions Geelong, with better use of the ball, kicked two early goals as the Rebels struggled with match ups and it took a number of positional changes before Adam Campbell finally put a major score on the board. The North Ballarat half back line of Jarrod McCorkell, Troy Chaplin and Josh Thurgood were steady under pressure and their good work was rewarded when Daniel Parkin napped truly and Scott Sellers goaled just before quarter time to edge the Rebels in front.
A welcome return in form by ruckman Tristan Cartledge set up the best play for the day as he, Mark Nunn and Brett Goodes goaled in quick succession to extend the North Ballarat lead.
The Falcons started the second half in similar manner to the first with two quick goals as they out ran their opposition and a goal to Ayden George mid term was one the rare times the Rebels looked like scoring.
Nathan Skewes, back from injury, was outstanding all day as he nullified his well-credentialed opponent and continually drove his side forward only to see a resolute Falcon defence out play the North Ballarat forwards.
The final quarter was again dominated by the backlines and neither side could penetrate to set up scoring opportunities. Geelong managed the only goal during the period as the Rebels hung on grimly to record a win and so consolidate a place in the final series.
A one goal half of football will not be enough to beat the more highly rated teams North Ballarat will encounter over the coming weeks.
North Ballarat Rebels 9.7 (61) d Geelong Falcons 8.12 (60)
Best: Skewes, Cartledge, Chaplin, McCorkell, Thurgood, Nunn
Goals: Campbell 2, Chester, Cartledge, George, Goodes, Nunn, Parkin, Sellers
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:07