Poor conversion by North Ballarat forwards cost them dearly against the Northern Knights in their TAC Cup game at Preston on Saturday.
Three goals from twelve scoring shots, many of them easy chances in the opening quarter was poor reward as the Rebels had early control of the game.
Daniel Batson in the ruck and Steven Tung around the ground were creating opportunities and finally Tung goaled, Liam Picken and Ryan Herring added two more to set up a handy lead as a steady Rebels backline restricted Northern to a solitary goal.
In perfect conditions the disposal by both sides left much to be desired but North added goals through Tung and two to Clinton Young extended the lead but a goal right on the siren kept the Knights within reach at the half way mark.
Bill Driscoll lifted his game and goaled, Daniel Ewing marked and kicked another but then Northern reorganised their forward set up and kicked the ball long to their tall forwards.
Andrew Bell and Evan Hurse tried hard and were steady in defence but a lack of accountability by North Ballarat contributed towards four goals at the end of the third quarter, which had the home side in front by the narrowest of margins.
The Knights continued to out mark the Rebels up forward and score freely until Herring, Hurse and Young goaled to bring North Ballarat to within a kick but another mark and goal to Northern saw them steady and extend their lead.
Herring kicked his third very late in the game but it was a case of too little too late as Northern hung on for only their second win of the year as they made North Ballarat pay for their lack of conversion early in the game.
Northern Knights 14.11 (95) d North Ballarat Rebels 12.14 (86)
Best: Batson, Tung, Herring, Hurse, Bell, Driscoll.
Goals: Herring 3, C Young 3, Tung 2, Driscoll, Ewing, Hurse, Picken
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 14:04