North Ballarat Rebels played their first home game for the season at Eureka Stadium on Sunday against Gold Coast, whose 93 point win last week over the Western Jets was in stark contrast to the Rebels’ 61 point drubbing at the hands of the Dandenong Stingrays in Round 15.
The Rebels welcomed Nick O’Brien, Pat Barber and Bill Barry to the team for their first appearance this season, and preparations during the week focused on the need for all players to lift their overall intensity and commitment to each other in an effort re-gain credibility in the competition.
The Rebels started well, kicking to the scoreboard end of the ground and Chris Giampaolo won an early free kick which ended up with Liam Hoy who goaled from a mark after running into space. Kevin Bourke was busy in defence with Dean Gavin and Josh Free winning the ball in midfield and giving the forwards opportunities. David Astbury marked strongly but could not convert. However, he again marked and centred the ball to Oliver Tate who found Hoy for his second goal at the 18 minute mark of the quarter.
Despite winning more of the contested ball and having twice the scoring shots, it was the Gold Coast who held a two point lead at the first change. The Rebels again attacked the ball in the second quarter and Josh Free was in and under at every contest. Goals to Lucas Cook and Kevin Bourke, followed by a clever snap from Bill Barry gave the Rebels the lead at the main change, but relatively little reward for their 19 forays inside the forward fifty. Gold Coast managed two goals from only four visits inside their forward fifty to stay in touch.
During the main break, coach Glen Wilkins exhorted his players to persist with their first-half endeavour and adhere to the team’s game plan. Strong play off half-back and through the mid-field brought the ball forward for the Rebels. Nick O’Brien held front position and won a free kick to goal and he followed up with another goal in similar circumstances midway through the quarter. The Rebels continued to feed the ball back to retain possession and set up attacking moves, and Chris Curran’s long goal on the run at the 22 minute mark exemplified the Rebels’ ability to move the ball quickly and effectively. Strong defensive play around the ground by the Rebels, with almost thirty tackles in the first three quarters, made matters difficult for Gold Coast. They were further thwarted by the spoiling efforts of Marcus Darmody and Nathan Kelly, as well as Oliver Tate and Jandre Slabbert. Kevin Bourke also continued to contest strongly and spoil attacking moves from the opposition.
The Rebels’ 22 point lead at the last change could well have been greater, given the good work by Jordan Dillon in the Ruck and a number of opportunities created inside the forward 50 metre area, But enthusiasm and confidence remained high heading into the final quarter. The Gold Coast threw everything at the Rebels during a tense encounter, preventing the Rebels from scoring a goal, but falling short by 14 points in the end. This proved to be a very strong team effort by the Rebels, and one which salvaged a great deal of pride and encourages a determined and positive outlook for the rounds ahead.
Last Modified on 27/07/2009 10:57