Poor use of the wind and the failure to convert opportunities in the third quarter cost the North Ballarat Rebels dearly in their TAC Cup game against the Western Jets at Williamstown on Saturday.
Adam Campbell and Ayden George opened the game with goals as North Ballarat took advantage of Nathan Anderson's ruck work and Mick Foster's clearances from stoppages in general play.
Campbell goaled from a free and then Danny Grellet scored another to give the Rebels a five goal break at the change.
The Western Jet's turn with the wind started with two quick goals but then Matt Rosa, Daniel Matthews and Clint Ladiges tightened their games and for a period of time shut the Jets forwards down.
Despite having plenty of the play the Rebels were unable to score in the windy conditions but two more goals to the Jets late in the quarter left the game finely balanced.
Ladiges went forward and opened the third term with a major but after that the Jets back line consistently pushed the ball to the defensive side of the ground and that with very poor kicking at goal frustrated Rebels players, coaching staff and the supporters.
To make matters worse a Jets goal against the wind set them up with an opportunity for a win against the higher placed Rebels.
Matt Sharkey, Ladiges, Grellet and Rosa continued to defend stoutly but the Western Jets, sensing an opportunity to consolidate a position in the final eight, took over in the air and with superior kicking at goal over ran North Ballarat.
However, with 3 of the top 4 teams being beaten on the weekend the Rebels managed to retain second spot and a "double chance" in the finals series, commencing with the 2nd qualifying final against the Dandenong Stingrays next Saturday at the MCG.
Western Jets 11.8 (74) def North Ballarat Rebels 6.11 (47)
Best: Nathan Anderson, Mick Foster, Adam Campbell, Matt Sharkey, Clint Ladiges, Matt Rosa.
Goals: Adam Campbell 2, Ayden George, Danny Grellet, Clint Ladiges, Matt Sharkey
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:47