Bulls go down to Roos

By Paul Pickering
NOBLE Park failed its first legitimate test of the 2008 season on Sunday, losing to East Ringwood by 13 points in a tactical war of attrition.
In stark contrast to the preliminary final between the sides last September, the normally-fluent Bulls were stifled by the Roos’ unwavering commitment to a contested style of footy.
After losing its first two games of the season, East Ringwood could ill afford to drop this one at home.
That sense of urgency was clear for all to see at East Ringwood Reserve on Sunday, as the Roos refused to let Noble Park’s damaging midfield off the leash.
And while the Bulls were far from disgraced, the manner in which they were overcome will be of some concern to Kris Barlow and his coaching staff.
The game began in typical enough fashion, with Noble’s undersized spearhead Dave Velardo slotting the Bulls’ first goal in the opening minute.
And after the Roos had scrapped to a one-point advantage at the first break, the rampant Velardo swooped on his fourth goal to wrestle back the lead early in the second.
At the other end, East Ringwood gun Brendan Holowiuk began to get his hands on the footy, booting three quick goals to demand more attention from Bulls’ stopper Lloyd Williams.
Neither Velardo nor Holowiuk would score again for the match though, as the game became increasingly congested in the lead-up to halftime.
For the Bulls, centre-half-back Adrian Little was a constant frustration to Roos spearhead Wade Porter, while Daniel Rigg and Stewart Kemperman shadowed dangerous opponents in Luke Vogels and Marty Ekers.
Meanwhile, East Ringwood’s Rob McLellan successfully nullified the influence of Barlow, and Velardo was well-held by Cameron Taylor after his early outburst.
Through the middle, Bulls duo Craig Anderson and Peter O’Brien were quite effective, but Shayne Allen and Daniel Norman made little impact.
And with its two main targets – in Velardo and Barlow – receiving close attention, Noble Park’s ball-carriers lacked any degree of certainty going forward in a second half that reaped just four goals.
That enabled Roos star Mark Buzaglo to sit behind the play at half back.
And despite the efforts of Daniel Donati to make Buzaglo accountable, the cagey Roos veteran was able to marshal his teammates on the rebound.
Ultimately, the Bulls wasted some early chances to reduce a 13-point three-quarter-time deficit, and the hometown Roos held out for a hard-earned victory.
This Saturday, Noble Park will meet another team on the rebound in Balwyn.
The star-studded Tigers were issued a reality check by reigning premier Vermont on the weekend, as the Eagles cruised to a stunning 133-point win.
The Balwyn list is loaded with ex-AFL talent, including injured coach Daniel Harford, Joel Smith, Patrick Bowden, Alan Murray and Sam Cranage.
And after being touted as the next in line for Vermont’s title, the Tigers will be desperate to regain some respect at Balwyn Park on Saturday.
Equally, the Bulls will be keen to prove that they are still the number one challenger.