The North Ballarat Rebels went down by 37 points to the Eastern Ranges on Saturday. Played in trying conditions at Box Hill, the final margin did not accurately reflect the Rebels efforts.
Missing a host of quality players, the 22 who did take the field could be well pleased with their performance.
Unfortunately the Rebels injury list deepened throughout the game to the point that there were only 17 fit players on the ground when the final siren sounded.
With Richmond Football Director Greg Miller an interested onlooker, the match turned into something of a mud fight as players from both sides battled for a clean possession. Marks above the head were few and far between with the players soccer skills constantly coming into play.
North Ballarat trailed at every break. With possession equally shared between the two sides it was only a failure to convert at opportune times that perhaps proved the Rebels downfall. Eastern Ranges full forward Bate was a handful booting 4 goals and playing a part in several others.
New Collingwood signing Travis Cloke was well held by the Rebels defence.
The Rebels coaching staff used the game to try players in positions some were unaccustomed to.
With Nathan Anderson missing due to injury, Michael Jameson impressed in the ruck.
Clinton Young who for much of the year has played up forward starred at centre half back and repelled countless attacks. Josh Rentsch, playing his first game since a serious injury in round 3, was close to the Rebels best player.
Although only having won a handful of games for the season, North Ballarat have now given in excess of 40 players the opportunity to try themselves at the elite TAC Cup level. 17 year old players such as Bill Driscoll, Steven Tung, Steve Clifton and Daniel Feery continue to improve from week to week with Saturday's game no exception. This can only augur well for coach Anthony Rock next season and football as a whole through out Western Victoria as some players return to their local clubs for finals.
The Rebels now finish the season with two home matches. The first of which is this Saturday at the Northern Oval, Ballarat against the Geelong Falcons.
Eastern Ranges 7.14 (56) d North Ballarat Rebels 3.3 (21)
Best: Ryan Harris, Clint Young, Josh Rentsch, Darren Ewing, Matt Rosa, Michael Jamison.
Goals: Banwell, Rentsch, Tung
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 14:18