The Northern Blues have succumbed to a loss at the hands of North Ballarat, falling to the Roosters by 26 points.
In blustery conditions, the Blues trailed the home side all day and never managed to gain any major ascendancy, going down 11. 9. (75) to 6. 13. (49).
Kicking against what was a strong breeze, Northern fought hard to hold off an aggressive start in favour of the Roosters.
The ball spent the majority of the half in the North Ballarat forward 50 as it amassed 18 inside 50s and it seemed as though the Blues would quell the advantageous wind.
However, Northern conceded two goals late in the term to head into the first break down by four goals after being held goalless.
The Blues had the aid of the wind in the second term, but were unable to win the ball at the coalface of the contest as contested possessions started to mount in favour of North Ballarat.
It led to the Blues not being able to force the ball forward and hit the scoreboard, with the margin only being bridged back by a solitary goal.
The return from the half-time break was positive from the Blues as they evened up the contest in the midfield.
Jarrod Pickett in action against North Ballarat. (Photo: Shaun Kelly)
Two missed set shots early in the third term proved pivotal to any chance the Blues may have had of conjuring up a win, as goals to Hooper and Hausler extended the Roosters lead out to a five-goal lead.
The Blues again battled hard to bridge the gap in the last term, but were unable to make any inroads into a superior North Ballarat outfit on the day.
Cameron O’Shea was yet again a shining light down back for Northern with a team high 34 disposals and five marks.
Dyson Stevens (27 disposals) and Billie Smedts (24 disposals, six tackles) battled tirelessly in the middle in the absence of captain Tom Wilson.
NORTHERN BLUES 0.1 2.4 3.8 6. 13. 49
NORTH BALLARAT 4.3 5.5 9.8 11. 9. 75
GOALS
Northern Blues: Armfield 2, Gallucci, Jaksch, Strachan, Sumner
