NORTH Ballarat Rebels are beginning give their TAC Cup under-18 football season some momentum.
They took care of Goldfields arch-rival Bendigo Pioneers by 70 points – 19.12 (126) to 8.8 (56).
While the Rebels’ 10-goal third quarter appeared the catalyst, coach Gerard FitzGerald said the second term had set up their second win of the year.
He said a wasteful opening quarter, when the Rebels kicked just 1.3 with a significant wind advantage, had left the door wide open for Bendigo.
“We had to defend and we did.”
This meant the scores were locked together at half-time.
FitzGerald said his players’ ability to then absorb and implement adjustments made at the main break was also significant in the Rebels getting away in the second half.
Hugh McCluggage produced another big game, capping it off with five goals.
FitzGerald said he was encouraging his midfielders to push forward and become goalkickers, just as McCluggage had done.
