What a difference a week makes as it was a different North Ballarat Rebels that soundly defeated the Eastern Ranges in their Round 14 TAC Cup game at AUSTAR Arena on Saturday.
Both sides were coming off defeats from last week and were keen for a win to cement a position in the top 8 of the congested TAC Cup ladder.
Jordan Roughead set the home side up with a dominant display in the ruck and capped off a great first quarter with two goals as the Rebels outplayed the Ranges and further goals to Angus Grigg, Tim Ruffles and Dylan Parish set the tone of the match.
Eastern started the second term with three quick goals but the on ballers for North Ballarat steadied with Ned Gilbert, Andrew Hooper and Ryan McKenzie winning enough of the ball to give the forwards led by Parish and Will Young enough opportunities to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Two goals to Parish and another to McKenzie gave North Ballarat a handy five goal lead at the half way point of the game.
Chris Maple emphasized the need for and the importance of the third term as the Ranges being a game ahead on the ladder were a better side than the scoreboard indicated.
The Rebels response was outstanding right across the board as Roughead, Gilbert and McKenzie led the way and with goals to Young, Ruffles, Jason Linke and Matthew Cranage the lead was extended as a tight backline kept Eastern scoreless.
A Linke snap opened the last quarter, a Ranges quick reply came as the game opened up but again the North Ballarat forward line took over with Roughead, Parish and McKenzie adding to the total.
A fifth goal to Parish in his best display with the club gave the Rebels their highest score for the season and welcome return to the winners list which will give them confidence to front up to Western and Geelong in the final rounds as the top eight takes shape.
North Ballarat Rebels 21.10 (136) d Eastern Ranges 7.4 (46)
Best. Jordan Roughead, Ned Gilbert, Andrew Hooper, Ryan McKenzie, Jason Linke, Dylan Parish.
Goals. Dylan Parish 5, Jordan Roughead 3, Tim Ruffles 3, Matthew Cranage 2, Jason Linke 2, Ryan McKenzie 2, Will Young 2, Chris Giampaolo 1, Angus Grigg 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 15:19
