After a poor first quarter and some straight talking from the coaching staff the North Ballarat Rebels lifted their game to outplay the Oakleigh Chargers in their TAC Cup game at Austar Arena on Sunday.
The Chargers continued their recent very good form with the opening four goals before the home side managed to settle and capitalize on an error for Matthew Cranage to kick a long reply on the run.
The Rebels coach settled his side, delivered a reality check with some of his more experienced players that saw a different side after the first break.
Jordan Roughead continued his recent good form in the ruck and Ryan McKenzie, Nick Suban and Josh Free started winning the contests around the ground that brought other players into the game.
A goal within seconds of the opening bounce to Dylan Parish was quickly followed by an Oakleigh reply but then the Rebels responded as Jason Linke, Ben Hayes and Free led a tightened backline division to constantly send the ball deep into attack.
A level score line at half time set up an interesting challenge for both sides as the windy conditions and the pressure of the contest started to test the disposal standards of both sides.
Oakleigh opened the scoring for the second half as the game developed into a battle of the defences until North Ballarat broke free mid term with goals to Bryn Weadon and Roughead to put them in front for the first time for the day.
Continued good play resulted in goals to Simon Close, Christopher Giampaolo and Ryan McKenzie as the Rebels appeared to have overcome the best the Chargers had to offer.
Roughead to Ryan McKenzie resulted in a goal from the first bounce of the last quarter and when Weadon followed with another shortly after the Rebels had control of the game.
An Oakleigh goal mid term came from some clever play but this was to be their last as North Ballarat extended their winning run when Parish kicked his third to extend the lead.
North Ballarat Rebels 14.12 (96) defeated Oakleigh Chargers 8.12 (60)
Best. Ryan McKenzie, Jordan Roughead, Josh Free, Jason Linke, Nicholas Suban, Ben Hayes.
Goals. Dylan Parish 3, Christopher Giampaolo 2, Ryan McKenzie 2, Jordan Roughead 2, Bryn Weadon 2, Simon Close 1, Matthew Cranage 1, Will Young 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 14:58