A quarter time lead of 21 points was about the final margin for the North Ballarat Rebels after a hard fought victory over the Calder Canons in their TAC Cup match at AUSTAR Arena on Sunday.
The TAC Cup played as curtain raiser to the VFL game between the Roosters and Geelong in very good conditions which enabled both sides to display their skills.
Neither side could break through the strong defences until Jason Linke opened the scoring after marking strongly at half forward.
Despite some missed opportunities to convert again Tim Ruffles continued his good form to goal and a second to Linke right on quarter time rewarded the backline led by Bryn Weadon, Daniel Ross-Smith and Josh Free.
The loss of top players to state representative duties didn’t help the game as a spectacle but the intensity was there as both sides realized the importance of the game to their respective seasons.
Calder increased their intensity and goaled early in the term and it took some time before Ruffles snapped his second followed by a clever running goal from the diminutive Tyler George to settle the Rebels.
Calder finished off a good second term with two late goals to have them within two straight kicks at the break.
The third quarter displayed the best football of the day as both sides moved the ball quickly and improved disposal into their respective forward lines created opportunities.
Smart forward play by Christopher Giampaolo and Ruffles with two goals each was enough for Noprth Ballarat to keep their lead after both sides finished with a five goal quarter.
Ben Peters at half forward came into the game with two early last quarter goals which extended the Rebels lead, Calder replied with two of their own then Ruffles sealed their fate with his fifth for the day to give North Ballarat a hard earned win over last seasons premier side.
North Ballarat Rebels 14.14 (98) d Calder Cannons 10.14 (74)
Best. Bryn Weadon, Josh Free, Tim Ruffles, Daniel Ross-Smith, Ben Peters, Jason Linke.
Goals. Tim Ruffles 5, Christopher Giampaolo 2, Jason Linke 2, Ben Peters 2, Tyler George 1, Ned Gilbert 1, Alex Gubbins 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 15:04