By JARROD POTTER
EFL DIVISION 1 – ROUND 14
MAYBE a little too well-rested after a weekend off, the Bulls took their sweet time finding top gear against North Ringwood.
Sending shudders through the rest of the league, Noble Park returned to full strength on the weekend as it eventually ran out 29-point victor over the visiting Saints… but not after having to dig particularly deep to get there.
Sam Monaghan returned to the line-up – after nearly two months on the sidelines – as did former TAC Cup player Kevin Kean to give even more firepower to a well-stoked arsenal down at Moodemere Street.
A measly five behinds accounted for Noble Park’s first-quarter initiative – despite taking a monster advantage in stoppages 16-to-2 and the inside-50 count 15-to-8.
Playing well within themselves – and not linking up as prominently as North Ringwood had done through the first term – it took a few home truths seared into the group’s psyche at the quarter-time huddle to get the ball rolling.
“If we play a selfish brand of footy and play as individuals that’s what happens” Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty said pointing to the surprisingly lopsided scoreboard.
“We came in and thought we’d have a real easy, bruise-free day.
“If you want to have one of them, don’t expect to come off the ground and win the game.
“If you want to be a professional, disciplined unit and get back to the way that we want to play, we’ll go ok – but it’s up to you guys which way it will go.”
Fogarty’s pump-up inspired the brigade as Noble Park resumed its regular standards. While the behinds still flew thick and fast, Noble Park also slammed on the goals as Shayne Allan (6 goals) booted two in a minute in the second term to steal the lead at the main break, a position the home side would not give up again.
Another four goals flew for the Bulls in the third, but the Saints didn’t lay down. Despite the lopsided appearance of the match-up – with Noble Park second and North Ringwood battling to stave off relegation in 11th – the visitors did not play like league underdogs – taking it right up to the Bulls until the final siren.
Noble Park scraped by – booting three last term goals to all but seal the deal and take its sixth win on the trot.
Kyle Martin, Brett Dore, Allan, Craig Anderson and Jackson Sketcher all starred in the win.
The Bulls sit second in the top flight and have a two-game break on the chasers – Vermont and Rowville – ahead of a higher fancied clash against Blackburn away on Saturday.
