FOR the second time this season a horrible third quarter has cost the Bendigo Pioneers dearly against their TAC Cup country rivals North Ballarat.
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Sunday’s game against the Rebels at the QEO was a virtual mirror image to their round five meeting earlier in the year at Eureka Stadium.
That day the Rebels kicked 10 goals to one in the third quarter on the way to a 70-point win after scores had been level at half-time.
On Sunday the Rebels produced another 10-goal third quarter, while the Pioneers – who had led by seven points at half-time – kicked two.
The third-term dominance of the Rebels set up their 20.14 (134) to 11.10 (76) win that all but kills off the Pioneers’ final hopes.
“It was an absolute mirror image of last time we played them,” Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said.
“The same thing has happened again… their midfielders (Hugh) McCluggage, (Willem) Drew, (Shannon) Beks and (Jarrod) Berry all really stood up for them in that third quarter.
“We kept changing our midfield combinations up to try to counter them and unfortunately, we just became too reactive.”
The Pioneers’ half-time lead came on the back of a strong rally after Bendigo had trailed by 20 points during the second quarter, before the wheels fell off in the third term.
It was an absolute mirror image of last time we played them
- Brett Henderson
“It was really disappointing to capitulate the way we did after half-time; our pressure just fell right away on the ball carrier,” Henderson said.
The best for Bendigo was swingman Braidon Blake, who played in defence, and Josh Formosa (four goals) up forward was also a standout.
Bailey Henderson snagged three goals, while ruckman Nathan Twigg, Isaac Miller and Tom Campbell were others who battled hard for the Pioneers.
North Ballarat’s best was the player being touted as the potential No.1 pick at the AFL National Draft later this year, Hugh McCluggage, who also tore the Pioneers apart back in round five.
Rubbing salt into the wounds of the Pioneers was the Oakleigh Chargers beating the Northern Knights by six points.
Oakleigh’s win and Bendigo’s loss leaves the Pioneers (4-11) two games, plus percentage, outside the top eight with only two rounds remaining.
The Pioneers have a general bye this weekend before taking on the Western Jets at the QEO from noon on Sunday, August 14.