Sold to Winnipeg.

It's the rumour that's making the rounds concerning the Ottawa Rebel.

"Absolutely not," said Rebel co-owner Brad Watters with a laugh, adding his group would not focus on possible relocation until after the 2003 National Lacrosse League season. "We'll look at all that at the end of the year. We're open to proposals, but we're in no rush."

Whatever the case, potential suitors would be bidding for an ever-improving team.

Yesterday afternoon, Watters' club continued the climb, flying past the Philadelphia Wings 11-9 before 4,816 fans at the Civic Centre. The victory, tying a Rebel mark for most wins in a season, improved the team's record to 4-4 and improved the team's lot in lacrosse life for a playoff spot.

Only the three division winners and the next three teams sporting the best records make the NLL post-season.

"We're looking good at .500," said Rebel forward Mat Giles, the player of the game with three goals and two assists. "As long as we keep working hard, we'll be okay. As long as you keep grinding, you're going to get your goals."

FOUR UNANSWERED GOALS

Indeed, the Rebel did, fighting back from early 2-0 and 4-2 deficits to trail 5-4 at halftime. Then came the decisive third quarter, when the Rebel scored four unanswered goals in a 4:26 span to take a lead for good.

Giles sandwiched goals around Eric Pacey's slick breakaway score off a loose ball, and Kevin Howard kept up his team lead in goals (20) with his second of four on the day.

"It was a gutsy effort and a great third quarter," said Rebel coach Terry Sanderson. "These guys just keep surprising us with the things they do."

Rebel netminder Matt Disher made 47 saves, including two key breakaway stops on Jeff Ratcliffe and one each on Tom Ryan and Paul Cantabene.

It all kept the crowd buzzing, despite the fact Watters remains unhappy over poor turnouts and yesterday berated the parents of lacrosse players for not bringing them out to games.

"The people of Ottawa have spoken," said Watters, whose attendance figure yesterday was inflated by 6,000 complimentary tickets. "We'll do our best to play our remaining home games in front of as many people as we can. It's only fair to the players. Don't forget, we could be seeing a playoff run."

We already are.

QUICK HITS: Rebel veteran D Steve Fannell is out with a torn ACL ... F Tom Marechek netted his 300th career NLL goal. The 34-year-old Wings captain is the fourth man in league history to crack the mark -- behind Gary Gait, Paul Gait and John Tavares.

Rebel 11

Wings 9