Footy across the region battled it out in tough conditions at the weekend and the Greater Western Victoria Rebels boys were no different, holding on to beat Oakleigh Chargers by two points.
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A final quarter surge by the visitors at Marty Busch Reserve nearly stole the game from the Rebels, who held on to win 5.7 (37) to 4.11 (35).
Coach David Loader told The Courier an accumulation of games in recent times saw his side run out of puff towards the end of the game, but it was good to see them fight it out and win.
"We ran out of steam a bit, I wondered whether it was the Vic Country carnival and the school footy's finished up and whether the boys were just a bit cooked late in the game," he said
"The positive thing when I spoke to the group was we were in a position where they couldn't run us down, we had enough in the tank to get over the line.
"That's another positive. We're 7-1 ... we're going along alright, no doubt about it."
Loader said the Chargers marked the ball 20 metres out from goal with 40 seconds remaining in the game, but missed the set shot to put them in front.
It would have capped off a miraculous comeback from the visitors, who kicked 4.6 in the fourth quarter and kept the Rebels to one behind after only managing 1.5 to three-quarter time.
The Rebels enjoyed a dominant quarter in the third term, kicking 4.1 after kicking 1.5 to half-time and keeping the Chargers goalless through two quarters.
The win keeps the Rebels a game clear of Sandringham Dragons on top of the ladder.
They will enjoy a week off this weekend before turning their attention to Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval on Saturday, July 17.
SCOREBOARD
Greater Western Victoria Rebels 1.3, 1.5, 5.6, 5.7 (37)
Oakleigh Chargers 0.1, 0.4, 1.5, 4.11 (35)
GOALS, Rebels: M. Herbert, V. Huf, B. Kellett, B. Scott, F. Loader
Chargers: S. Tucker 2, N. Philactides, H. Brown
BEST, Rebels: C. Molan, J. Ballantyne, M. Herbert, B. Hobbs, J. Lockett, J. Gibcus
Chargers: S. Tucker, Y. Dib, L. Rankin, H. Brown, L. Jenkins, K. Worner
LADDER
GWV Rebels, 28, 146.74
Sandringham Dragons, 24, 177.35
Northern Knights, 20, 181.92
Bendigo Pioneers, 20, 121.18
GWS Academy, 16, 141.74
Tasmania Devils, 16, 117.01
Calder Cannons, 16, 92.54
Dandenong Stingrays, 12, 121.45
Geelong Falcons, 12, 89.84
Oakleigh Chargers, 8, 83.86
Western Jets, 8, 79.90
Eastern Ranges, 8, 78.08
Murray Bushrangers, 8, 77.80
Gold Coast Suns Academy, 4, 115.79
Sydney Swans Academy, 4, 115.60
Gippsland Power, 0, 45.74
Brisbane Lions Academy, 0, 37.00
Northern Territory, 0, 32.47
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Ollie Nash
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
