Above and above left: Former Hawthorn half forward Chris Barlow was in the thick of the action for Noble Park in the top of the table clash with Vermont on Saturday, but despite his efforts his side could not scrape over the line.By Melissa Grant
NOBLE PARK fell five points short against Vermont in a nail-biting Eastern Football League (EFL) Division One match at Pat Wight Senior Oval on Saturday.
Noble Park kept Vermont to its lowest score of the season but it wasn’t enough, with the EFL ladder leader recording its ninth victory for the season.
The Bulls started well against the Eagles, who were kicking with the wind, restricting them to just two goals in the opening term.
The Eagles had 10 scoring shots but struggled to find the big sticks, finishing the quarter with 2.8.
In the second term the Bulls took full advantage of the breeze, slamming on six majors to take a 14-point lead into the main break.
Knowing the Bulls would have the wind in the last term, the away side came out fighting to boot seven goals to one and set up a 24-point lead at the final change.
The Eagles backline put plenty of pressure on the Bulls forwards keeping them to just one goal.
The start of the final quarter was less than ideal for the Bulls as ex-Eagle Kris Barlow was sent off with a yellow card and rain began to fall.
But the Bulls kicked the first four goals to take a two-point lead.
With three minutes to go Eagle Matthew Greig had the chance to put his team in front with a snap shot at goal but missed, then with less than a minute remaining Alister Wylie soccered a goal from close range to give the Eagles a five-point victory.
Dan Papillo took the best on ground honours for the Eagles and Nathan Henley’s input was also crucial, racking up countless possessions and booting one goal.
Nathan Tiberi was best for the Bulls playing well across half-back, while Clay Anderson and Robert Ferraro carried the ball well for the home side through the midfield.
Noble Park coach Shane Burgmann said he was pleased his team was able to keep up with the top side for most the game.
“It was a good effort from the boys. We played well in the first quarter to keep them to two goals,” he said.
“But in the third we let them get back into the game and they ran over us.
“We have lost the last two in a row, which we haven’t done for a while, so that’s a bit disappointing for the boys.
“All we can do is get back on the training track this week.”
The Bulls will be looking to bounce back this week when they travel to Jubilee Park to take on bottom side Ringwood, which is winless after 10 rounds.
