Bundoora claimed its first big scalp of the 2013 season with an impressive 39-point victory over Heidelberg at Warringal Park.
An 11-goal to two last quarter from Bundoora saw a 14-point deficit at three quarter time disappear quickly as the Bulls ran out victors 21.8 (134) to 14.11 (95).
The all important first goal of the last quarter went to Bundoora co-captain Brayden Shaw, quickly followed by goals to Ricky Dyson and Gary Moorcroft as the Bulls stars shone when needed most.
Cameron Cloke stepped it up for the Bulls in the second half, booting seven goals with four of those coming in the last quarter. He provided a lead-up target outside forward 50m and was almost an impossible figure to stop from marking the ball inside 50.
Cloke along with forwards Matthew Brown (four goals) and James Lord (two goals) provided Bundoora with a range of versatile options going forward, with a quiet day for Gary Moorcroft who was outplayed by Heidelberg defender Jason Kennedy.
Kennedy’s shut down role on Moorcroft and ability to then rebound out of defence was vital for Heidelberg in the first three quarters. While he still delivered in the final quarter, he was unable to stop the numerous waves of attack the Bulls delivered.
Trent Barbero started almost every scoring chain from the back half for the Bulls, as his run from the defensive 50m and grit in the clearance work proved to be match winning.
The Tigers were able to get the ball long and then out the back of packs in the first half, making them very dangerous kicking into an open forward line. When the Tigers got the linking man, they ran in numbers, something that appeared non-existent in the last quarter.
The home side will see the game as one that got away after leading by six goals when Favrin slotted the first goal of the second half. However, the Tigers had no run left in the final quarter after coach Ryan Smith demanded finals-like pressure and intensity in his three quarter time address.
Along with Kennedy, Mark Favin (five goals), Jamie Allen, Micheal Brunelli and Caleb Tiller all were among Heidelberg’s best players.
For Bundoora it was Cloke, Barbero, Shaw, Dyson, Joseph Palazzolo and Matthew Dennis who were among the better players on a list that could have extended to 15 players.
With losses this season to Northcote Park and Montmorency, the Bulls needed to prove they were a serious threat come finals. That is exactly what they did as they disposed of the Tigers.
Heidelberg now travels to Macleod in a game it will be a comfortable favourite to win. Bundoora also faces a very winnable game heading into the Queen’s Birthday break when it returns home to play West Preston-Lakeside at Yulong Reserve.
Final score: Heidelberg 14.11 (95) def by Bundoora 21.8 (134)
