Round 13 of the TAC Cup season saw the Rebels travel to Horsham’s City Oval for a match against neighbouring rival Bendigo Pioneers. After returning to the winners’ list against Eastern Ranges at Learmonth the previous weekend the squad was looking to consolidate their ladder position with an attacking approach to the game. Sunny but cool conditions coupled with little breeze and a firm surface ensured that the players would have every chance of taking up the challenge.
The first bounce of the match created a problem for the Rebels coaching staff as Josh Free, returning from a game with the Roosters the previous weekend, was involved in an accidental head clash that saw him leave the field. Ten stitches to the gash on his forehead prevented him from taking any further part in the match.
With the backline rebounding strongly the Rebels were able to take control of the match early with Chris Giampaolo kicking the only two goals of the first quarter. Intensity in the contest was high as pressure built on the Pioneers with inaccuracy resulting in them only recording three behinds for the period. The Rebels headed to the first break with an 11 point lead.
Dean Gavin and Liam Hoy continued their high workrate to be involved in much of the good work being done through the midfield area during the second quarter. With the two key position defensive posts being well patrolled by Jandre Slabbert and Marcus Darmody, the Pioneers again could only kick three behinds during this stanza. Dylan Parish broke free up forward for the Rebels to boot two majors and Jamie Mugavin showed his marking ability from the goalsquare and converted for a third goal for the quarter for the Rebels. Having held the Pioneers goalless for the half the Rebels enjoyed a 27 point lead at the main break.
The Rebels fleet of midfielders continued to provide the forwards with plenty of opportunity when the third quarter got underway. Chris McMahon, Gavin and Hoy were teaming well and driving the ball forward consistently. Playing on their home ground, Nathan Kelly and Chris Curran were doing a great job of blanketing their opponents and providing some rebound across the half back line. Mugavin and Lucas Cook continued to stretch the Pioneers defenders with their marking ability and kicked goals to complete impressive forward thrusts. Martin Dufty goaled on the run late in the quarter to stretch the Rebels lead to 39 points at the last break.
The final period finally saw the Pioneers break through the strong Rebels defence to record three goals but the performance of the defensive unit had set the platform for the Rebels final winning margin of 30 points. The last quarter did see the Rebels guilty of over-using the ball and snatching at goal kicking chances but their lead was never threatened. Michael O’Callagahan kicked the only goal from the five scoring shots.
The large crowd in attendance at the City Oval enjoyed their day at a TAC Cup match with many patrons travelling from throughout the Wimmera, Mallee and North Central regions to watch the game.
With a bye during Round 14 next weekend the players have the opportunity, if fit, to go back to local football and also to get ready for the Round 15 clash with Dandenong Stingrays.
Last Modified on 06/07/2009 17:26