A classy display and consistent pressure from the Murray Bushrangers combined to give the North Ballarat Rebels a football lesson in perfect conditions in their TAC Cup game at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton on Sunday.
Coach Chris Maple was aware that the Bushrangers would be hard to beat on their home turf after a last game defeat and two goals on the board in the opening minutes put the North Ballarat Rebels on notice.
Murray dominated the opening quarter but they missed a number of opportunities and three goals was little reward for their efforts as the Rebels defended grimly through Andrew Hooper across half back.
The North Ballarat mid field consisting of a number of state representatives which has been prominent over recent games struggled against the pace and aggression of the Bushrangers and it took until mid second quarter before Tyler George showed some dash to kick the visitors opening goal.
Murray’s tall forward line continued to give North Ballarat problems and it was a late snap from Ryan McKenzie just before half time that created some hope for a better second half.
After a rev from the coach along with plenty of constructive criticism the Rebels lifted as the game developed into a defensive battle and a goal to Christopher Giampaolo closed the gap.
Murray responded with a four goal burst to extend their lead with few Rebels able to lift and much was left to Hooper to offer almost a lone hand of resistance.
The last quarter was all the Bushrangers as they finished with a five goal burst with the bright spot for North Ballarat was two goals from Chris Curran playing across half forward.
The Rebels have dropped a couple of places on the ladder after the past two defeats but at least within the club the players know as they have been told by their coaches that a this level of competition you must be able to produce against the quality sides.
The Rebels have an opportunity to get their season back on when they play the Queensland State team at AUSTAR Arena in two weeks time.
Murray Bushrangers 16.13 (109) d North Ballarat Rebels 6.7 (43)
Best. Andrew Hooper, Ben Hayes, Chris Curran.
Goals. Chris Curran 2, Ryan McKenzie 2, Tyler George 1, Christopher Giampaolo 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 15:11