THREE wins in a row has moved North Ballarat Rebels to within touching distance of the TAC Cup top eight.
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The Rebels turned around an eight-point quarter time deficit to claim a 20-point win over Gippsland Power at Warrawee Park, Oakleigh on Saturday.
Debutant Tom Taurau, from Ararat Eagles, was one of two multiple goal-kickers for the Rebels in their 9.19 (73) to 7.11 (53) triumph, splitting the middle on two occasions.
Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said it was another terrific performance from the side - which is now only outside the top eight on percentage after losing its first four games.
"It was a really pleasing win and again the boys put in a four quarter effort," he said.
"They were challenged throughout the game but played an exciting brand of football."
Partington said a four-goal-to-one third quarter was pivotal to the result.
"We had an outstanding third quarter and we capitalised on our pressure," he said.
"We moved the ball really quickly out of defence and started to run well."
Partington praised the work of Wimmera players including key defender Oscar McDonald.
"Oscar played his best game for the club at centre-half-back he was very dangerous coming out of defence and spoiled really well," he said.
Partington said Taurau made the most of his opportunities up forward and co-captain Josh Webster again led from defence.
Vic Country under-18s ruckman Rowan Marshall was named the side's best, but he will have to have to overcome an ankle injury in time for round two of the national championships at the weekend.
Marshall was the side's only casualty, but Horsham Saints' product Jacob O'Beirne will face the tribunal after being reported for striking in the second quarter.
*Seven under-16s Rebels players have progressed through to the final 27 of this year's Vic Country squad.
Horsham Saints' Jarrod Berry and Hopetoun prospect Sam White both made the final cut, but Ararat's Tom Williamson missed out.