The Rebels games against the Northern Knights have always been close affairs and this game was again a tight contest with the Knights winning by 5 points in the dying minutes of a 32 minute last quarter at Williamstown on Saturday in very trying conditions.
The Rebels won the toss and elected to kick with the strong wind but were unable to capitalize as both teams struggled to kick effectively. Rebel’s player, Oliver Tate was strong across the halfback line and the reliable Liam Hoy was always putting constant pressure on the opposition.
The 2nd quarter the Rebels were unable to trouble the scoreboard attendant as the Knights did all the attacking and fortunately they missed many chances in front of goal. At ½ times the Rebels were 23pts down and were not performing to a level which the playing group and coaching staff pride themselves on.
The Knights were also unable to trouble to scoreboard against the strong and unpredictable wind as the Rebels shifted intensity and moved the ball well and were able reduce the margin to within a 4 points going into the last quarter.
The Rebels were starting to get 1st use of the ball which allowed players to find space and time to deliver well to the Rebels leading forwards such as Lucas Cook and Dylan Parish. The lead switched 3 times in the last quarter as both teams were able to kick 10 goals between them during the long 32 minute quarter but it was the Northern Knights that had their nose in front at the crucial final sirens and recorded the vital win.
The Rebels now sit in 6th position in the TAC Cup final 8. The team now has the last 2 home & away game to fully secure a finals berth. This week they face the Oakleigh Chargers who have welcomed back their schoolboys and are coming off a great win against the polished Eastern Ranges.
Last Modified on 17/08/2009 17:37