The Rebels were on the road again this week heading down the QEW towards the Hammer. It was looking to be a great day for footy and a chance for the boys to continue to keep the bar high on the season. After an extended car ride and some unmentionable GPS issues, the squad pulled up with more than full numbers, something that they wish other teams would do as well.

The first quarter was a sloppy display of ability for the Rebels. Was it tired legs? A last minute gust of the wind? Who knows, but it sure wasn’t near what the boys were capable of. With very few targets being hit, the footy was bouncing all over the ground, really testing both sides who was going to be going harder at the pill all day. The Cats were showing some drive trying to take command on their own field, but it wasn’t enough only kicking one for the quarter, where the Rebels ended with four and change.

Hamilton Wildcats 1.0 - 6
Toronto Rebels 4.4 - 28

After the first quarter, the Rebels needed to figure out how to get their structures back in play. If they did, we would surely see the score rocket upwards. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case, and kicking into the wind, the boys had to make a few adjustments throughout the term. Hamilton came alive and lessened the gap between them, kicking another two and having 4 scoring shots altogether, compared to the Rebels three. Play was stronger out of the middle this quarter with efforts from Tooba, Hands, Antarkis and Hodor.

Hamilton Wildcats 3.2 - 20
Toronto Rebels 5.6 – 36

Two quarters down and it seemed like the Rebels finally woke up. This time kicking with the wind, and having some consistency all over the ground with strong support out the back, cleaning up the backline, making those clearances out of the middle and some strong structured ball movement providing 10 scoring shots for the quarter for the forwards. With Digga now playing out of the middle, he took the opportunity to cover more of the ground and provide more numbers to the footy and essentially, work the footy out using speedy skills of Tommy now back in the lineup, Tooba and a determined Aido. This would be the Rebels most successful quarter, unlike the next which would see a surging Cats press for a comeback.

Hamilton Wildcats 3.4 - 22
Toronto Rebels 10.11 – 71

Goals kicked were even this quarter, but the usual Rebels dominance seemed to falter a little over most of the ground. Hamilton was strong in the ruck and continued to give the Rebels some trouble with unconventional kicks that seemed to take the right bounces forward. Unfortunately for the Cats, although having a great quarter, it was not enough to withstand the Rebels at the final siren.

Hamilton Wildcats 6.4 - 40
Toronto Rebels 13.14 – 92

In missing the first round due to rain, after the leagues fifth round, the Rebels are now 4-0 and will make up the Ottawa game over the Civic Long Weekend. But for now, the boys will enjoy a little time off on the weekend to celebrate this great nation’s birthday and hit the track Friday July 7th at 6:30pm vs Etobicoke Roos @ Colonel Samuel Smith Park. It is one round you don’t want to miss, as it will be the next big test for the boys and the first rematch with the Roos since the Prelim Final last year.

This week's sponsor - Konstant

Konstant - Your Redirack Source. Konstant has been the premier sponsor of the Rebels for several years. The company provides storage solutions around the country. Anything you see or touch in a store comes from a warehouse and there is not one company more prevalent or professional out there when it comes to warehouse racking and shelving. We are proud and honoured to be sponsored by one of Canada's best and salute all the hard working people that help make them a success. Thank you Konstant!!

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