A disappointing performance by the North Ballarat Rebels saw them defeated by the Eastern Ranges in their TAC Cup game at Box Hill on Saturday.
The Rebels were favoured by the wind but could not penetrate the Eastern defence until Heath Pyke read the contest swooped on the loose ball and snapped truly. The Ranges were very aggressive around the ball and two goals came from their strength in the contests and running ability around the ground. Adam Campbell marked strongly to goal but despite steady defensive play from Clint Ladiges and Troy Chaplin the Ranges were able to again reply through their strong midfield play.
Eastern continued to dominate the play from ground and boundary stoppages to kick four goals. It was only late in the quarter that Chaplin now playing forward was able to mark and goal, and then some strong running and a long kick by Jed Adcock scored another as the Rebels tried valiantly to keep in touch.
An early third quarter goal to Pyke from a free lifted North Ballarat and Nigel Otto and Adam Hurse came into the game but again poor disposal let the side down as Eastern capitalised on a mistake and goaled. Campbell and Adcock goaled late in the term to keep the Rebels in the game still knowing that Eastern had the wind advantage in the last quarter.
The final term was all the Ranges as they continued to pressure the North Ballarat players and although Adcock, Chaplin and Mick Foster won their share of the ball four goals to nil sealed the game. At the half way mark of the season the Rebels still have a lot of work to do to ensure a position in the finals in September.
Eastern Ranges 14.13 (97) d North Ballarat Rebels 7.9 (51)
Best: Clint Ladiges, Jed Adcock, Troy Chaplin, Nigel Otto, Mick Foster, Adam Hurse
Goals: Jed Adcock 2, Adam Campbell 2, Heath Pyke 2, Troy Chaplin 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:37