The Pioneers faced a 19-point deficit at three quarter-time at Ballarat’s MARS Stadium.

However, the Pioneers finished with a burst of 4.3 to 1.1 in the final term to run over the top of their country rivals to win 10.8 (68) to 9.13 (67) to be 1-0 for the first time since 2013.

Key forward Will Holt kicked two of his five goals in the final quarter, the second of which brought the Pioneers within a point approaching time-on.

The final two scores of the game were behinds to Bendigo, which were enough for the Pioneers to scrape over the line by the barest of margins.

“It was a really entertaining game between two evenly-matched teams,” Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said.

“It was really pleasing to be able to whittle down a 19-point deficit at three quarter-time and win a tight game.” 

With his performance on Saturday Holt joined Kayle Kirby – now on Collingwood’s list – as the only Pioneers’ players to kick at least five goals in a TAC Cup game since 2013.

It was a brilliant TAC Cup debut for Holt, who missed last year with a dislocated shoulder.

“He played very well as a key forward. He’s a strong lad and gave us a real presence inside 50,” Coburn said.

“He hit-up and marked the ball really well, but when it hit the ground his second and third efforts were also fantastic.”

Ruckman Daniel Keating and Zane Keighran off half-back also impressed, while another of the first-gamers in Jackson Williams had an impact through the midfield.

“Jacko is coming back off a serious knee injury and his work-rate was super. He got better as the game went on,” Coburn said.

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• MATCH DETAILS:

Bendigo 10.8 (68) d GWV Rebels 9.13 (67).

GOALS – Bendigo: W. Holt 5, Z. Denahy, M. Goodwin, L. Marciano, K. Lloyd, K. Walker. GWV Rebels: C. Wilson 2, T. Berry 2, J. Hill 2, M. Martin, L. Dawson, T. Mahony.

BEST – Bendigo: W. Holt, D. Keating, Z. Keighran, J. Williams, L. Marciano, J. Atley. GWV Rebels: T. Berry, C. Wilson, M. Martin, M. Schnerring, B. Helyar, T. Mahony.