Round 9 of OAFL action saw the Rebels take on the reigning premier Blues. The Blues have had their battles this season after a stellar 2010 and the Rebels were keen to jump above their opponents on the ladder with a win.

Weather conditions were very warm, so a fast start was going to be a big key to either team’s success on this day and it was the Rebels who got off to a flyer scoring goal just seconds into the match through a fine snap from Monty. This seemed to awaken the Blues as they then piled on a quick 3 goals of their own and it looked this might become a real shoot out, the Rebels managed to peg a couple back but the Blues continued to dominate up front and finished the quarter with 7 majors to 3.

Coach Crackers pleaded with the boys at the first break to tighten up and chip away at the lead but it was the Blues once again that took the ascendancy. The midfield lead by Cam, Drago and Turtle were working hard and this translated into some scoring chances and goals late in the quarter but the margin had blown out to 6 goals.

With both team starting to feel the heat the halftime break was a good chance to re-hydrate and the Rebels needed a big third to have any chance of a victory. Morgs went back to defence and was rebounding well and Fabs found some space and managed to snag a couple of goals. But the quarter was a rough one with the Rebels losing midfielder Turtle to a knee injury, Fancy pulled a hammy and Cam came off after an accidental shot to the nose. It seems the Rebels infirmary has been growing steadily all season which has been hard to overcome.

A few moves were made in the last quarter with Big Mike providing a target up front and both Bodz and Monty turning back the clock to snare some goals. Cam returned and played a solid last quarter and the Rebels outscored their opponents in the second half with no bench available. Alas it was too little too late and the Blues took the win by 5 majors.

With 5 games remaining the Rebels are going to be relying on their long list of players to get out to games and trainings to secure a couple more wins before the season comes to a close and the next opportunity will be this Saturday against Hamilton. Go Rebs!

Final Score: Rebels 9.5.59 lost to Blues 14.14.98
Goals: Monty 4, Bodz 2, Fabs 2, Morgs 1.
Best: Cam, Fabs, Morgs, Drago, Monty, Mike.