Long before the first bounce of Saturday's TAC Cup fixture against the Calder Cannons the North Ballarat Rebels knew they were facing formidable opposition.
Just how good Calder is was something the Rebels were keen to experience first hand.
4 long quarters and 157 points later, Calder left the Rebels in little doubt as to where they are at.
Calder has been the measuring stick of the TAC Cup competition. They are the reigning premier and have contested the last 3 Grand Finals. On Saturday's performance it will take something special to prevent them from contesting a 4th.
Even Calder's long serving coach Robert Hyde was moved to say, "it was our best performance of the year".
So what wrong? Or perhaps what went right for North Ballarat?
The Cannons won the toss and kicked with a strong breeze. At the 8 minute mark of the first quarter the Cannons had 5 goals on the board, the visitors zero and Rebels Vic Country squad member Jordyn Burke had been stretchered off the field with a break in his ankle.
From this point there was little turning back.
Just as the Cannons were good, the Rebels were bad. Only defender Clint Ladiges, Daniel Lovick and Matt Rosa could hold their heads up as the Cannons increased their lead at every change.
The Rebels however were there own worst enemy at times. The meager return of three goals would have been higher if not for inaccuracy.
So where to from here for North Ballarat? With just 2 wins, the season is quickly slipping away and they face little respite in the draw with another tough encounter against the second placed Oakleigh Chargers this Saturday.
Perhaps coach Anthony Rock said it best after the game when addressing his team.
Everyone associated with our team - the players, the coaches, the support staff... we all must aspire to be as good them (Calder Cannons)."
Calder Cannons 28.17 (185) d North Ballarat Rebels 3.10 (28)
Goals: Ewing, Picken, Rosa
Best: Lovick, Ladiges, Rosa
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 14:01