Noble Park coach Shane Burgmann in action for the Bulls.NOBLE Park’s undefeated Eastern Football League Division One season came to a crashing halt on the weekend with an 88-point hammering at the hands of second-placed Vermont at Vermont Recreation Reserve.
The contest lived up to its high expectations in the opening quarter, with both sides kicking five goals and the Bulls holding sway by a point.
Proceedings turned pear-shaped for Noble Park, from there, though, as the Eagles’ dominance in the midfield provided countless chances for their forwards.
“The game was won and lost in the midfield,” Bulls playing coach Shane Burgmann said.
“Our guys just went through the motions.”
Despite taking 14 scoring shots in the second quarter, the Eagles’ lead was just 12 points at half-time, with Noble Park’s six goals from as many scoring shots keeping them in the match.
The margin began to reflect play in the third period, as Vermont rattled on four goals to one to open up a 30-point break at the last change.
The Eagles asserted their authority on the contest in the final stanza, slamming on 10 majors to embarrass the Bulls.
Vermont’s league-leading goalkicker Matthew Greig continued his march towards the ton, with a nine-goal haul leaving him 15 goals shy of the target.
Despite the heavy loss, Burgmann remains defiant and still believes his side can win the premiership.
“We can’t play that bad again,” he said.
“Last time we played (when Noble Park beat Vermont by 25 points) everything went our way and this time they had everything go their way.
“They’re the side to beat and we have to bring our A-grade game to beat them.”
