By Stephanie Kirkman
Eastern Ranges had a heartbreaking nine-point loss this weekend to the North Ballarat Rebels, after trailing by 24-points at the end of half time.
With the NAB Cup Championships currently underway, the Ranges were missing some key players to the squad, but that didn’t stop them from putting up a strong contest up at Learmonth Oval, North Ballarat.
Despite a closely contested first quarter - with scores staying close – the Rebels managed to break away after the first to take control of the game at the end of the main break.
Momentum throughout the midfield and movement in the Rebels fowardline allowed for more opportunities to convert goals by the likes of Darmody and Bamblett, who kicked two a piece for the match.
Things were not looking so healthy for the Ranges, who trailed the Rebels by four goals at the end of half time.
The Ranges came firing out in the third to leave the Rebels scoring only one goal for the quarter, compared to an impressive five goals by the Ranges.
By the end of the third quarter, the Ranges hard work had paid off, to lead the Rebels by three points at the start of the last term.
However, the momentum just didn’t seem to last, with the Ranges struggling to keep possession of the ball until the final siren.
The damage done in the third quarter, just wasn’t enough to defeat the Rebels, who came fighting back in the fourth to kick four goals and defeat the Ranges in a nail-biting nine-point victory.
Ranges coach, Shane Watson thought that the boys put up a strong fight towards the second half of the match.
“We had an opportunity to win the game at the end of the third, but we just made too many errors in the fourth quarter which proved to be extremely costly at the end of the day,” he said.
Luke McDonald had another impressive game booting through five goals for the Ranges, whilst teammate Guy Phelps was voted best on ground for the Ranges, scooping up 16 possessions and kicking a goal for the team on the weekend.
The loss sees the Ranges sitting in eighth position, with ninth place, Oakleigh Chargers in the running to steal a place in the top eight after a win this weekend to the Murray Bushrangers.
Next week in Round 13, the Ranges will travel to Geelong to take on the top team, Geelong Falcons on Saturday 4th, July at Skilled Stadium, 11.10am.
SCORES
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TEAMS
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TIME/VENUE
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12.4-76
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North Ballarat Rebels
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2:00 PM Sat 27/Jun
Learmonth Oval (Map)
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def.
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10.7-67
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Eastern Ranges
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Goal Kickers: L. McDonald 5, J. Cass 2, M. Barnes, G. Phelps, B. Harvey Best Players: L. McDonald, G. Phelps, D. Mirra, A. Young, A. Johns, R. Minahan
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Last Modified on 07/07/2009 11:08