by Stephanie Kirkman
This weekend proved to be a tough battle for the Eastern Ranges, after a devastating 67-point loss to the North Ballarat Rebels at Box Hill City Oval.
Ten of the Ranges key players were out of action this afternoon, after being selected to play for the Vic Metro squad next week.
With big shoes to fill, the Ranges struggled throughout the first term.
The Rebels were on fire, moving the ball efficiently around the ground, playing a high possession game.
It wasn't until about halfway into the second, that fowardman Luke McDonald saved the Ranges from being scoreless at the end of the main break.
Despite a 57-point deficit at the end of half-time, the Ranges still managed to run out from the clubrooms with their heads up, to play a well-contested match of footy until the final siren.
The second half showed much improvement in the Ranges game play, kicking five goals for the second half, compared to a measly one in the first.
The Rebels also lost momentum and concentration, failing to convert 14 out of 30 set shots at goal.
Despite the loss, coach Shane Watson stayed positive about the match.
"Overall, I thought we played a better second half of footy, North Ballarat had a very solid performance today, but I thought we did a reasonably good job considering that we had limited players to select from this week," Watson said.
"At times we misjudged the footy, so at half-time I told the boys to be more aware of their opponent. The boys worked harder and stuck closer to their men in the second half," he said.
Ten players out of the Ranges selection squad meant that six boys from the team were given the chance to debut and show off their skills today.
"What's good about these games is that we can give a lot of the other boys who don't get to play match-day footy a chance to play at the TAC level," Watson said.
Best on ground today for the Ranges were Declan Fitzgerald, who had a commendable game up forward, as well as team mate Josh Dyson, continuing his strong form from last week.
Luke McDonald kicked two goals for the Ranges, brining his total goal count to 21 for the season.
This week's loss didn't affect the Ranges placing on the ladder, retaining its fifth place spot after Round Seven.
Next week (Round 8) the Ranges take on the Murray Bushrangers, on Sunday 24th May, at 1:00pm, Lavington Oval.
SCORES
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TEAMS
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TIME/VENUE
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6.7-43
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Eastern Ranges
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2:00 PM Sat 16/May Box Hill City Oval (Map)
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def. by
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16.14-110
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North Ballarat Rebels
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Eastern Ranges
Goal Kickers: L. McDonald 2, J. Dyson 2, K. Post, A. Johns Best Players: D. Fitzgerald, J. Dyson, A. Johns, L. McDonald, D. Fent, A. Ellis
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Last Modified on 25/05/2009 16:58