The North Ballarat Rebels took another step towards consolidating a top four position on the TAC Cup ladder with a convincing win over the Sandringham Dragons at their home ground on Saturday.
In perfect conditions Brendan Huf gathered a quick clearance from the centre bounce to post the opening goal, followed shortly by another from Ayden George as the Rebels were quickly into stride.
Daniel Matthews and Matt Sharkey stood solid in defence as the Dragons settled and pressured North Ballarat in contests right around the ground. Captain Jed Adcock leading by example goaled, Sandringham replied but a 50-metre penalty after a free to Sharkey resulted in a goal to extend the Rebels lead.
The Rebels took control with two more goals to Adcock but again the Dragons fought back to score four goals late in the term to keep them in the game.
Coach Anthony Rock made changes and the North Ballarat team responded with goals to Clint Ladiges, Heath Pyke and when Daniel Batson topped off his great ruckwork with another Sandringham were in trouble.
Danny Grellet was outstanding in defence, Mathews now in control at centre half forward and the Rebels team generally running harder and kicking longer to position enable Clinton Young and Dean Chester to lift their games and cap off this good work with two goals each.
The last quarter was all North Ballarat as Mathews goaled, Pyke kicked his second and Nick Bone with two from the wing completely took the fire out of the Dragons as the Rebels ran out comfortable winners.
Next week the Rebels make the long trip to Morwell to face another must won game against Gippsland Power.
North Ballarat Rebels 20.10 (130) d Sandringham Dragons 8.5 (53)
Best: Daniel Mathews, Jed Adcock, Matt Sharkey, Brendan Huf, Danny Grellet, Daniel Batson.
Goals: Adcock 3, Chester 3, Huf 3, Bone 2, Pyke 2, Young 2, Batson, George, Ladiges, Mathews, Sharkey.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:43