The Ranges have gone down by 8 points on the weekend, losing to the North Ballarat Rebels in a match that lived up to expectation.
Only 0.08% separated these two sides on the ladder heading into Saturday’s match, but initially it looked as though that may not have been an accurate description. Eastern did take an early two goal to one lead, courtesy of Thomas North, who kicked those goals in the space of 30 seconds. Although, from there it was all North Ballarat for an extended period of time, as they kicked six unanswered majors, creating an ominous 29 point lead early in the second term.
However, Eastern were able to peg it back just before half-time with multiple goals to Jaidyn Stephenson (16 disposals, two goals) and Corey Wakefield (22 disposals, five goals). By the main break it was a four goal lead to the Rebels, although the Ranges had finished the half strongly and were looking to take some momentum into the second half. That they did.
With a midfield being lead by forward turned midfielder Joshua Begley (19 disposals, five clearances), the Ranges had the better of the first term. Up forward Wakefield was proving a handful for his opponents as he added three goals for the term to take his overall tally to five by the last change. His fifth goal coming right on the siren as he snapped from 20 out just clearing a Rebels defender on the goal line, cutting the margin to one straight kick. It looked as though the Ranges were going to run over the top of North Ballarat heading into the final term, dominating through the middle, and holding their opponents to just nine points in the third quarter. Once again Harrison Nolan was proving to be a pillar down back, while Zachary Elms (11 disposals) in his first game for the club was playing with the poise of a 20th gamer.
Scoring dried up for both sides to start the final term, but it was the Rebels getting the all important first goal of the quarter. Jordan Haynes (19 disposals, two goals) got a quick reply a few minutes later, although it looked as though North Ballarat had all the answers, kicking a reply of their own, and taking what appeared to be an insurmountable 14 point lead at the 17 minute mark. Back-to -back goals in the space of three minutes through Haynes and Joshua Hannon reduced the margin to just two points as the clock ticked down. In what proved to be a short 24 minute quarter the siren did beat the Ranges in the end, as North Ballarat added one more major on the siren.
It was a disappointing result for the Ranges who lost in form midfielder Nelson Lane to illness prior to the match. However, the undermanned side can hold their heads high, losing to a team who finds themselves on a five match winning streak and in very good form.
NEXT UP:
Another intriguing match awaits the Ranges this Saturday morning. They will be taking on the Sandringham Dragons who currently sit at a 5-2-1 record. The match is once again at Box Hill City Oval, starting at the earlier timeslot of 11am.
GOALS:
Eastern Ranges: Wakefield 5, North 2, Hannon 2, Haynes 2, Stephenson 2, Lynch.
North Ballarat Rebels: Wheelahan 3, Johnson 2, Hausler 2, Beks 2, Gray, Johnston, Meek, Wellings, Taylor, Drew.
BEST:
Eastern Ranges: Begley, Haynes, North, Nolan, Wakefield, Elms.
North Ballarat Rebels: McRoberts, Drew, Williamson, Lawrence, Wheelahan, Huppatz.
Last Modified on 31/05/2016 11:19