Despite inaccurate kicking at goal North Ballarat eventually ran out comfortable winners in their TAC Cup game over the Geelong Falcons at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.
An early goal to the Falcons and quick reply from Matt Rosa came from quick movement of the ball by both teams.
Jed Adcock and Daniel Matthews were solid defenders as back line pressure from both teams saw mistakes and turnovers from promising forward moves.
Two goals to the Falcons had the Rebels behind at the first change.
Corey Fagg and Rosa were prominent on their wings and Daniel Parkin around the ground kept the Rebels within striking distance despite the home side looking quicker and more positive in their disposal of the ball.
Adcock's running goal from half back was a team lifter and a goal after the half time siren to Fagg brought North Ballarat to within one straight kick.
Strong words and a couple of positional changes by coach Anthony Rock appeared to sting the Rebels into action but poor disposal and especially inaccurate kicking for goal only registered goals to Dean Chester and Adam Campbell from nine scoring shots.
First gamer Adam Jennings goal to open the final quarter lifted the North Ballarat side as they started to capitalise on the good play of Matt Sharkey and Mick Foster.
Brendan Huf finally found the big opening, Campbell marked and goaled and Fagg capped off another fine display with another to settle any hope that a gallant and determined Geelong side may have held.
A goal to each side in the dying stages saw North Ballarat retain its unbeaten start to the season in what was an important win over an in form Geelong.
North Ballarat 10.18 (78) d Geelong Falcons 7.7 (49)
Best: Corey Fagg, Jed Adcock, Daniel Parkin, Matt Rosa, Daniel Matthews, Mick Foster, Adam Jennings, Matt Sharkey.
Goals: Adam Campbell 2, Corey Fagg 2, Chris Banwell, Dean Chester, Brendan Huf, Adam Jennings, Matt Rosa.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 13:31