The Eastern Ranges have ended the home and away season with a 22 point loss to the North Ballarat Rebels.
The Ranges got off to a promising start in wet conditions, taking an early two goal lead late in the first term thanks to goals from Kane Keppel, Jaidyn Stephenson and Josh Begley; the latter kicking a long range goal that provided a highlight for the term. However, a late goal to the Rebels cut the margin to just one straight kick at the first change. North Ballarats mood seemed to lift when the rain disappeared at the start of the second term, registering the first six scores of the quarter; thankfully for Eastern four of those were behinds. They weren’t the only ones having trouble in front of the big sticks as Eastern replied with two behinds of their own. Jordan Gallucci finally converted to put the Ranges back in front, although for the second time in the match the Rebels kicked a late goal to take a slender 10 point lead at the main break. Inaccuracy certainly showed by half-time, with a 5.12 to 4.8 score line.
Stephenson had the chance to get the Ranges off to the perfect start in the second half, but couldn’t convert his two shots on goal, with his side paying the price as their opponents kicked the next two majors of the match. For most of the term from that point it was an arm wrestle with only one more goal being added. That goal went the way of the Ranges, once again thanks to midfielder Gallucci slotting one, putting his side within 15 points at the last change. Eastern were certainly not going down without a fight in the final quarter, where it took until the 10 minute mark for any either side to score when North Ballarat managed to kick a behind. They would follow that with a goal shortly after, extending their lead to 23 points at the 12 minute mark, and seemingly having done enough to secure the win. However, the Ranges kept on coming when Tate Short and Jordan Lynch registered two goals in the space of a minute to cut the margin to a gettable 10 points at the 18 minute mark. Gallucci would have the chance to cut the margin to just four points, but unfortunately his shot on goal went wide, leaving the door ajar for the Rebels to hold their nerve as they sealed the game with two late goals.
Although ultimately it was another close and disappointing loss against a top four side, the Ranges will look to take a few things from the match as they prepare for a tilt at the 2016 premiership.
NEXT UP:
The loss has seen the side slide to 8th position on the ladder, setting up an Elimination Final against the Sandringham Dragons. The Dragons have lost three of their past four matches, but will be coming off a 96 point win over the Bendigo Pioneers.
NORTH BALLARAT REBELS: 2.4 5.12 7.15 10.19 (79)
EASTERN RANGES: 3.4 4.8 5.12 7.15 (57)
GOALS:
North Ballarat Rebels: White 2, McCluggage 2, Huppatz, Johnston, Harrison, Domic, Wheelahan, Scales.
Eastern Ranges: Gallucci 2, Keppel, Begley, Stephenson, C.Brown, Short.
BEST:
North Ballarat Rebels: Drew, Wheelahan, McCluggage, Wellings, Berry, Bilney.
Eastern Ranges: Keppel, Nolan, Stephenson, Garner, Maibaum, Lynch.
Last Modified on 21/08/2016 19:09