THE Rural Bank Bendigo Pioneers were unable to convert a half-time advantage into a victory against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Saturday.
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As part of a TAC Cup triple-header at Ballarat’s MARS Stadium, the Pioneers held an eight-point buffer at half-time, 4.2 to 2.6, in a low-scoring slog.
However, the Rebels lifted after the main break, adding nine goals to one to prevail 11.9 (75) to 5.9 (39) and take a 2-1 advantage in their three meetings this season.
“The Rebels deserved the win today… they produced a more even four-quarter performance than what we did,” Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said.
“We had moments in the game where we were quite good and moved the ball well, but we were inconsistent in our application in what were tricky conditions with a blustery wind. The Rebels handled the environment much better than we did.”
On a sour note for the Pioneers, who are now 2-13, Sean O’Farrell in his TAC Cup debut suffered a shoulder injury during the second quarter.
The in-form Jack McHale through the midfield and Bailey Henderson at centre half-back were the best for the Pioneers, while bottom-aged Caleb Fisher kicked three goals in his first game.
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• MATCH DETAILS
GWV Rebels
1.2, 2.6, 7.6, 11.9 (75)
Bendigo Pioneers
2.2, 4.2, 5.6, 5.9 (39)
Bendigo goals – C. Fisher 3, M. Goodwin, B. Kemp.
Bendigo best – J. McHale, B. Henderson, J. Atley, R. Ironside, C. Fisher, S. Conforti.
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