North Ballarat Rebels travelled to Swan Hill on Saturday to play the Bendigo Pioneers, and with both teams suffering heavy defeats in Round 1, there was much at stake.
The Rebels started well with two goals to Dylan Parish and one to Andrew Hooper the result of solid shepherding and all round team support. However, delivery into the forward 50 metre arc was poor, with only two conversions from 15 attempts and Bendigo rebounded with two late goals. Forward entries in the second quarter were much more effective, yielding five goals to Bendigo's three, again scored late in the quarter through further lapses in concentration by the Rebels, and tarnishing a quarter of otherwise solid play in winning the contested ball.
The Rebels midfield moved the ball well, many of these opportunities for Rebels forwards were created by Josh Free who was prominent in gaining centre clearances.
Bendigo rallied after half-time to score six third quarter goals whilst the Rebels could only manage two goals from six attempts and scores were even at three-quarter time.
Bendigo 11.5. 71 to North Ballarat Rebels 10.11.71.
Coach Glenn Wilkins asked for closer defence and sustained pressure from his team, and they responded with twelve tackles for the term, forcing errors from the opposition. Bench rotations kept Rebels on-ballers fresh and they continued running off half-back and through the centre, with Andrew Hooper scoring three goals for the term. Strong defence from Darmody, Tate and Slabbert restricted Bendigo to three goals whilst the Rebels racked up five goals, to run out winners by 11 points.
Last Modified on 14/04/2009 09:53