FOR much of the Elimination Final it appeared as if the North Ballarat Rebels were set to post an early upset by dispatching the emerging Oakleigh Chargers.
North Ballarat, thanks to young midfielder Brad Crouch, defender Tim McKenzie and on-baller Coleman Schache, shocked the Chargers to lead at quarter time, extend that advantage at half time and then open up to a 14-point lead at three-quarter time.
While the Chargers were at full strength with the inclusion of captain Dom Tyson, who had missed the last couple of home and away games with injury, North Ballarat had effectively subdued Oakleigh’s rampant midfield.
But, with the game and, in fact the season, on the line Oakleigh dug deep in the final term to play its best football of the match.
With Jack Viney, Adam Tomlinson, Toby Greene and Seb Purcell all firing, Oakleigh clicked into the same style of football that had seen them come from outside the eight to win its final three home and away games.
Oakleigh took charge of the quarter and effectively the match as they kicked 6.1 while holding North Ballarat to three points as they ended up running out comfortable 20-point winners.
The Chargers move forward with the knowledge that it can rally when the odds are seemingly against them and also that Tyson will be much better for his return game.
Last Modified on 06/09/2011 20:31