The North Ballarat Rebels started their TAC Cup season in disappointing fashion on Saturday with a 15 point defeat at the hands of Bendigo.
In a see-sawing encounter, the Rebels were unable to convert opportunities in front of goal in the first three quarters and paid the price.
Eight Rebels debutantes were met with a fierce opening quarter as the Pioneers took a three point lead at the first break.
The second term proved just as quick with the Rebels beginning to assert scoreboard pressure as Rosa, Driscoll, Feery and North Ballarat's other onballers began to get on top. At half-time, the margin was four points.
Three unanswered goals in the third quarter should have been enough for the visitors, but Bendigo had other ideas.
The Pioneers dominated the last quarter kicking four goals five behinds to the Rebels one point.
Rebels coach Anthony Rock remained positive despite the defeat.
He told his players to take the positives, whilst learning from the loss.
Acting Captain Ryan Herring picked up where he left off in 2003 to be his sides best player. Playing at centre half back he repelled numerous Pioneers attacks before moving forward in the last quarter.
Debutante Darren Ewing also played well after coming off the interchange. He kicked four goals and provided a target for the Rebels at full forward.
North Ballarat will play its first game at home this season when it takes on Gippsland this Saturday at 9.40am.
The game will be played as a curtain raiser to senior and reserves clashes between the Roosters and Northern Bullants.
Bendigo Pioneers 12.13 (85) d North Ballarat Rebels 10.8 (68)
Best: Herring, Feery, Rosa, Ewing, Curtis, Tung
Goals: Ewing 4, Anderson, Curtis, Driscoll, Feery, Huf, Ladiges
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:52
