EFL: South Croydon kicks off its premiership defence with a seven-point win over Noble Park

SOUTH Croydon overcame a slow start to unfurl its premiership flag in style, clawing its way to a seven-point victory over a new-look Noble Park.

Jake Gains and Max King tangle in the ruck on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

SOUTH Croydon overcame a slow start before marking the unfurling of its premiership flag with a hard-fought win on Saturday, clawing its way to a seven-point victory over a new-look Noble Park.

On a historic day for the Bulldogs, president Cathy White had the honour of hoisting the club’s maiden Division 1 flag in front of a large crowd at Cheong Park after last year’s memorable grand final upset over Vermont.

But the Bulls threatened to spoil the Bulldogs’ party after jumping to a 23-point lead at quarter-time, but the old adage that good sides find a way to win proved correct as the home side recovered to win 14.16 (100) to 13.15 (93).

Great moment for @SouthCroydonFC President Cathy White. pic.twitter.com/cqs31BhYWL

— Phil Murton (@philmurton) April 7, 2018

Cathy White unfurls the premiership flag. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Led by the former VFL pair of Jayden Cass and Liam Cox and ex-Melbourne midfielder Matt Jones, South Croydon trimmed the deficit to 16 points at halftime before reducing the margin to just five points by the final change.

In a seesawing final term, Jason Coghlan’s three majors for the afternoon proved the difference in a best afield showing to help see off the Bulls’ charge.

South Croydon coach Luke McCormick said he was pleased with the way his side persisted throughout the game to come away with the four points.

“We’re in a good space, it’s just a matter now of making it all gel because there is a few new faces,” McCormick said.

“Our pressure wasn’t high enough, we were a bit reactive and Noble was a lot quicker and their pressure was a lot higher around the footy.

“We had basic skill errors as well so all the things you can fix and would expect to fix but can often be a little ordinary with Round 1.

“At the same time, sides are going to come at us every week all year because of being the reigning premiers but we’ve got to be able to handle it though.”