The North Ballarat Rebels unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday with a 5 point loss to the Western Jets.
From the first bounce the Rebels were made to struggle for every kick against a jets unit that were hard at the football.
After trailing by 3 points at quarter time, the Rebels began to dominate play in the second term with 4 quick goals to establish an 18 point advantage. Several missed opportunities would prove costly however, as the Jets scored two goals late in the term.
The third term was "nip" and "tuck" with the Jets slowly getting on top kicking 5 goals to the Rebels 4.
At the three quarter time break, Rebels Coach Anthony Rock encouraged his side to run at all costs believing his sides fitness would prevail. The Jets however would not wilt. After some great football from both sides a goal late in the term from Adam Campbell gave North Ballarat an unlikely 1 point lead. The lead didn't last long with an instant reply from Western spearhead Fabiano Mastropasqua. The siren sounded moments later to signal North Ballarat's first loss.
Better players for the Rebels included key forward Ryan Herring, rover Adam Jennings, first gamer Nigel Otto and courageous Captain Jed Adcock.
Kane Uebergang, Tristan May and Mick Foster sustained injuries and will undergo treatment during the week before next Saturday's game against the Oakleigh Chargers.
The Rebels now sit second on the ladder with a 6 - 1 record.
Western Jets 11.8 (74) d North Ballarat Rebels 10.9 (69)
Goals: Herring 2, Campbell 2, Rosa, George, Pyke, Adcock, Hurse, Parkin
Best: Herring, Jennings, Otto, Adcock, Rosa, Hurse.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:33
