The North Ballarat Rebels maintained their unbeaten run with a hard fought win over the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup on Saturday.
The Rebels started slowly with Bendigo kicking 5 behinds before Adam Campbell registered North Ballarat's first score. Bendigo replied immediately though and took a 6 point lead into the quarter time break.
The Pioneers quickly extended the advantage early in the second term with the Rebels struggling to find avenues to goal. It took a strong mark and accurate kick from full forward Adam Hurse to register North Ballarat's only major for the quarter. At half time the home team were lucky to be trailing by just 10 points.
Coach Anthony Rock swung the changes at half time in bid to bring his team to life.
Both sides struggled to score in the early part of the third term with Bendigo maintaining their lead. It wasn't until Ayden George went on to the ball late in the quarter that things swung North Ballarat's way.
George, who had clearly been the Rebels best player in the first half orchestrated several decisive clearances which resulted in three goals for his team in the space of 5 minutes. Newcomers Tristan May and Jake Dignan played their part in the Rebels revival kicking two of the three goals. The scores were level at three quarter time and the Rebels with their tails up.
After applying substantial pressure to Bendigo's defence, North Ballarat finally hit the front with goals to Daniel Batson and Mick Foster to give the home team a lead they would not squander.
The lone highlight for Bendigo came via an outstanding mark from the talented Colin Sylvia.
It was to be the Rebels day though, eventually running out winners by 16 points.
Ayden George finished with 36 possessions in a best on ground display, continuing his outstanding start to the season. He was ably supported by tough defender Dan Matthews and the tireless Daniel Parkin, Tristan May, Matt Sharkey and Adam Jennings also impressed.
The downside of Saturday's win was a wrist injury to Captain Jed Adcock. His name now added to a mounting injury list.
Support for the Rebels is growing with crowd noise and involvement making home games intimidating for the opposition. The Rebels return to the Northern Oval this Saturday to take on the Western Jets.
North Ballarat Rebels 7.9 (51) d Bendigo Pioneers 4.11 (35)
Goals: Batson, Foster, Schultz, Campbell, Hurse, Dignan, May
Best: George, Matthews, Parkin, May, Sharkey, Jennings
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:32