In perfect ground and weather conditions the North Ballarat Rebels were too good for the Sandringham Dragons in their TAC Cup match at the Northern Oval on Saturday.
Coach Anthony Rocks concerns about recent slow starts were swept aside with an early goals to Heath Pyke, Danny Grellett Clint Ladiges.
Quick movement of the ball and accurate disposal created further opportunities and when Chris Banwell capitalised from a free, Daniel Parkin goaled on the run and Ladiges marked and kicked truly north Ballarat had the Dragons well and truly on the back foot.
Sandringham took advantage of some loose Rebel defensive work to kick three goals late in the quarter which took some of the shine from the excellent beginning to the game.
First gamer Clinton Young opened the second term with a goal and Ladiges enjoying his opportunity in the forward half kicked two more to extend the Rebels lead.
Matt Sharkey, Corey Fagg and Jed Adcock were outstanding in their various defensive rolls as again Sandringham steadied and responded with three goals, two of them in red time late in the quarter that again disappointed the North Ballarat coach.
Parkin and Ayden George lifted in the midfield after the long break as North Ballarat outplayed the Dragons which saw Ladiges kick his fifth and sixth goals, and others to Parkin, Young and George and it was well into the quarter before Sandy break through the Rebel defence to kick two goals.
Heath Pyke showed his versatility in attack and defence and played possibly his best game for the club as he continually attacked the contest, won the hard ball and set up opportunities for his team mates.
With the game virtually over the last quarter was lack lustre as the Dragons tried hard to penetrate the North Ballarat backline but generally it was to no avail and only a single goal resulted.
George capped off a fine game with his second goal, Nathan Anderson ran into an open goal and Adam Campbell who had been well held for most of the day kicked another from outside the 50 metre arc as the Rebels maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
North Ballarat Rebels 20.12 (132) d Sandringham Dragons 9.12 (66)
Best: Heath Pyke, Matt Sharkey, Daniel Parkin, Clint Ladiges, Ayden George, Corey Fagg, Jed Adcock
Goals: Clint Ladiges 6, Chris Banwell 2, Adam Campbell 2, Ayden George 2, Daniel Parkin 2, Clinton Young 2, Nathan Anderson 1, Corey Fagg 1, Chris Gardiner 1, Heath Pyke 1
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:28