North Ballarat Rebels hosted the Western Jets at Buninyong on Sunday, following a Bye in Round 4 for all Victorian TAC Clubs. The Jets boast a team of tall and robust players, and contests around the ground in the opening stages of the game were close, and both teams were scoreless for the first 14 minutes of the game, until Richard Bamblett goaled for the Rebels. David Astbury's goal on the siren gave the Rebels a 10 point lead, as the Jets only managed three behinds from their forward thrusts.
The Rebels, encouraged by Coach Glenn Wilkins to play composed football, moved the ball well through the middle of the ground in the second term, and 5 uncontested marks in the forward 50 underlined the Rebels accurate disposal and control of the ball. Ben Mabon was standing tall in ruck contests against big opponents and physical pressure was applied by the Rebels, who managed 14 tackles for the quarter. Marcus Darmody was taken from the ground after a heavy clash with a team mate, but the defence held firm and the midfield ensured the ball was delivered well to forwards, who managed 4 goals for the term, to lead by 24 points at the main change.
The Rebels third quarter in recent weeks has been poor and players were challenged to maintain focus and attack the football from the outset. In an even quarter generally, Jeremy MacDonald negated his wing opponent's good first half form with close play and effective spoiling tactics, reducing the Jets forward thrusts. Kevin Bourke continued to win many possessions and worked hard defensively to register a number of smothers, tackles and shepherds, while Josh Cowan continued to cover a good deal of ground to reach contests. Along with team mates Oliver Tate, Josh Free and Andrew Hooper, the Rebels moved the ball well but struggled to score, although they maintained a 25 point lead at the final break.
The pattern of strong defence, a composed midfield and clean marking up forward continued in the final term. The Rebels transferred play well to set up attacking moves throughout a long quarter, scoring 7 goals to run out winners by 64 points, in a confident and impressive display.
Next week's game against the Sandringham Dragons will be played at Warrnambool's Reid Oval on Sunday starting at 12noon.
Last Modified on 04/05/2009 15:37