A strong second half in wet conditions by the Murray Bushragers shattered any hope of a final eigh position for the North Ballarat Rebels in their TAC Cup match in Benalla on Saturday.
Traditional country rivals and both teams having to win to keep any faint hopes of a finals appearance alive created a hard fought first half with both defences on top and goals hard to come by.
Murray kicked two early goals as the Rebels battled to settle conditions. Mid term, Bill Driscoll marked and goaled and Ryan Herring followed moments later with another to level the scores, but again the Bushrangers responded.
The Bushrangers as have other sides seemed to be able to produce goals more easily in reply to the hard earned goals kicked by North Ballarat.
Nathan Anderson worked hard in the ruck contests as he continued his good form and the move of Stephen Clifton to full forward brought results as he kicked two and then another to Darren Ewing that had North Ballarat in front at the long break by the narrowest of margins.
The third quarter was all the Bushrangers as they reveled in the conditions and despite determined defence by Evan Hurse and Clinton Young, they produced five unanswered goals.
They took command around stoppages and they overcame the good work of Anderson, Herring and Driscoll to set up a match winning lead.
The final quarter started with a goal to Murray and then in heavy conditions the game returne to a slog in which neither side could penetrate the opposition defence.
If there is a positive side, North Ballarat played three new players and unless the continued run of injuries abates, next week may provide further opportunity for Anthony Rock to try more new blood.
NORTH BALLARAT REBELS 5.5 (35) MURRAY BUSHRANGERS 11.9 (75)
Best. Nathan Anderson, Bill Driscoll, Ryan Herring, Evan Hurse, Stephen Clifton, Clinton Young.
Goals. Stephen Clifton 2, Ryan Herring 1, Darren Ewing 1, Bill Driscoll 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 14:15