The third round of the TAC Cup brought all country clubs in the competition together over the weekend at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo. North Ballarat faced tough opposition from the Gippsland Power on Saturday, who boast a tall and talented forward line. The Rebels got away to a good start with four first-quarter goals and followed up in the second quarter with six more to lead at half-time 10.4.64 to the Power's 4.5.29, with Gippsland's John Butcher scoring all four of his team's goals to this point.
North Ballarat's hard, direct running and accurate disposal had provided an impressive platform for the second half and when Gippsland's focal point at full forward was sent off early in the third quarter, the Rebels looked set to establish a commanding lead. However, Gippsland responded well to score five goals to North Ballarat's one for the term. Rebels' players generally looked slow and tentative, making a number of costly disposal errors and a twelve point lead at the final change did not seem enough.
The final quarter proved to be something of an arm-wrestle and, to the Rebels' credit, they continued to run hard and contest fiercely, particularly at the stoppages. Dylan Parish continued to be a target up forward kicking an important goal as did Marcus Darmody, who had been strong and disciplined when in defence in the first three quarters. Josh Cowan provided great drive through his wing all day and continued to run hard the in last quarter, as did Bourke, Gavin and Hoy off half-back. Despite being outscored in the last quarter, which was delayed due to a collision between two of Gippsland's players, who were both taken from the ground, North Ballarat's efforts prevailed to win by one goal. With a bye next week, the Rebels have managed two wins from three matches and should now look to build on a promising start to the season.
Last Modified on 21/04/2009 22:34