The North Ballarat Rebels scored a much-needed win on Saturday with a comfortable victory over the Murray Bushrangers at Tatura.
After a week off with the National Under 18 Championships, the Rebels began slowly as the second-placed Bushrangers peppered the goals. In his return from injury, Ayden George registered the team's only goal.
At quarter time the Rebels were lucky to trail by just 4 points.
The second quarter started with the Bushrangers again seemingly in control. It wasn't until Vic Country stars Jed Adcock and Troy Chaplin came from the bench that the Rebels began to prosper. Chaplin at full forward kicked his first of three majors just before half time.
The Bushrangers led 3.9 to 3.4 at half time.
After a justified "spray" at half time from coach Anthony Rock, the Rebels looked a different side in the second half.
Chris Gardner, Brendan Huf, Matt Sharkey and Mick Foster drove the ball forward at will as the Rebels showed their best form in weeks.
The Rebels skipped out to a 20-point lead late in the third term before 2 goals in time on to the bushrangers.
The Rebels, however, could sense a much-needed victory and slammed on four goals, six in the last quarter to the Bushrangers one behind.
The siren sounded with the Rebels recording a 37-point victory. Better players included Sharkey, Foster, Gardner and Grellet.
The Rebels travel to Beach Oval, Sandringham, on Saturday to take on the improving Sandringham Dragons.
With five rounds to play, the Rebels sit in third place.
North Ballarat Rebels 11.17 (83) d Murray Bushrangers 6.10 (46)
Best: Sharkey, Foster, Gardner, Grellet, Ladiges, Matthews, Huf.
Goals: Chaplin 3, Chester 2, Ladiges 2, Burchell, George, Herring, Rosa
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:42