NORTH Ballarat Rebels have paid the price for poor kicking for goal.
A series of missed opportunities by the Rebels opened up the door for Dandenong Stingrays to remain unbeaten after two rounds with a 30-point win – 10.11 (71) to 5.11 (41).
Coach Gerard FitzGerald said the Rebels’ failure to maximum shots on goals early in the third quarter had opened the door for the Stingrays at Bendigo on Saturday.
He said North Ballarat had done everything night to earn five shots on goal.
“We defended well to keep possession in out 50m. We didn’t convert. That’s what it came down to.”
While the Rebels missed and did not add a goal in the third quarter, Dandenong did make the most of their opportunities.
Although without a win after two games, FitzGerald said the Rebels were showing signs of improvement, especially with ball movement.
“We were definitely better. We just didn’t execute.”
Dandenong’s ability to hurt North Ballarat on turnovers was also decisive.
Jacob Wheelahan suffered a knock to the head - his second this year. FitzGerald said he would be monitored by medical staff before the Rebels’ next match against Murray Bushrangers on April 17.
