A light wind and perfect ground conditions greeted the Northern Territory to its TAC Cup match against the North Ballarat Rebels at the Northern Oval on Saturday.
The Rebels followed coach Anthony Rock's instructions and got away to a quick start.
Ryan Herring opened proceedings with two goals from marks while Daniel Ewing snapped another.
The visitors, although much smaller than the home side, were quick and strong in the air.
They finally broke through the North defence to goal after kicking a string of behinds.
Clint Ladiges was in good touch again and with Matt Rosa they defended stoutly and kept the pressure on the NT side.
The Rebels' game appeared to be more structured than their opposition and this resulted in goals to Nathan Anderson and two more to Ewing.
The Territory had plenty of the play and they replied with three goals from quick movement of the ball and improved kicking in their forward line.
The third term produced the best football of the day as the Northern Territory side continued to win around the packs at ground level.
But the Rebels, with better system to their game, just held sway.
Liam Picken was instrumental in a number of goals with constructive forward play and Jake Dignan lifted as a five goals to four quarter extended the Rebels' lead at the final break.
First gamer Shane Grigg goaled in amongst three to the Territory and then Ewing, Picken and Herring all capped off their games with goals. North Ballarat ran out comfortable winners despite having some worrying moments along the way.
North Ballarat Rebels 17.9 (111) d Northern Territory 11.14 (80)
Best: Rosa, Dignan, Ewing, Ladiges, Herring, Picken
Goals: Herring 5, Ewing 4, Picken 2, Anderson, Batson, Dignan, Driscoll, Grigg, Young
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:59