North Ballarat Rebels continued their winning run in the TAC competition with a hard fought win over the Eastern Ranges at AUSTAR Arena on Saturday.
It was a test for the depth of both clubs as each had a number of top players away preparing for the upcoming state under 18 championships.
In wet and slippery conditions Eastern had the aid of a slight breeze but it was Dylan Parish who opened the Rebels scoring after a clever mark despite strong defence from his Eastern opponent.
The Ranges seemed to handle the conditions better as they kicked the next four goals partly from good play but also after capitalizing on some poor defensive play from the North Ballarat Rebels backline.
A snap goal from Tim Ruffles just before the siren kept the home side in touch at the first change.
Goals to Patrick Knott and Ruffles in the opening minutes of the second term had the Rebels within a kick but the balance of the quarter was a battle of the backlines with Andrew Hooper in great touch and ably assisted by Oliver Tate and Simon Close.
Ruffles third goal put North Ballarat in front for the first time. This was followed by Hooper as Eastern seemed to struggle as the game developed into a bit of a slog as both teams had problems in the wintry conditions.
A silly mistake from a North Ballarat defender let Eastern in for a much needed goal but again it was Ruffles with his fourth and Adrian McKenzie with a soccered goal that extended the lead late in the third term.
The final quarter started with a goal to Alex Gubbins, a reply by Eastern as the game returned to a dour struggle as both backlines dominated the play.
Christopher Giampaolo finished off a good display of roving with a well earned goal to see the Rebels home by 22 points which is exactly the same winning margin as last year when they met here in a game that at that time turned around the home clubs season.
North Ballarat Rebels 10.9 (69) Eastern Ranges 6.11 (47)
Best. Andrew Hooper, Patrick Knott, Tim Ruffles, Oliver Tate, Simon Close, Christopher Giampaolo.
Goals. Tim Ruffles 4, Christopher Giampaolo 1, Alex Gubbins 1, Andrew Hooper 1, Patrick Knott 1, Adam McKenzie 1, Dylan Parish 1.
Last Modified on 08/02/2009 15:01