The North Ballarat Rebels broke their Hamilton drought with a comfortable win over the Geelong Falcons in their TAC Cup game at Hamilton on Sunday.
Geelong took early control from centre bounces and generally outplayed North Ballarat, taking full advantage of the breeze to kick the first five goals of the game.
The Rebels finally settled and after key forwards missed a couple of opportunities Dean Chester snapped truly just before the first break.
The second term saw a different Rebels side as Daniel Matthews and Danny Grellet led a disciplined defence and goals to Ayden George, Chester and Adam Campbell came from constructive play and quick and clean ball movement.
Matt Sharkey was outstanding as he shut the Geelong prime movers down and sent the ball forward for Ryan Herring, George and Heath Pyke to score as the Rebels took control.
Coach Anthony Rock's message at halftime stressed the importance of the next quarter in the context of the game and the balance of the season.
Herring was shifted to full forward and his three goals enabled North Ballarat to outscore Geelong against the breeze and set up a handy lead as the weather conditions changed and the rain started to fall.
Geelong persisted in the conditions and were able to outscore the Rebels, but a four goal to two final quarter was a case of too little too late.
North Ballarat were happy to celebrate their first win at Hamilton in the history of the TAC Cup.
North Ballarat Rebels 14.14 (98) d Geelong Falcons 11.5 (71)
Best: Matt Sharkey, Ryan Herring, Daniel Matthews, Adam Campbell, Dean Chester, Danny Grellet.
Goals: Dean Chester 4, Ryan Herring 4, Ayden George 3, Adam Campbell, Corey Fagg, Heath Pyke
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:45