The Bulls’ eight-game unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of the Rams away from home, with three first-half tries setting up the country rivals’ 26-21 defeat of the high-flying Shepparton.
Down with 10 minutes to play, the Bulls staged a late comeback as Vereimi Laverua, Benrock Falemai and Luatolu Polutele crossed the line for the visitors, but the charge came too late.
“Geelong was well-prepared and, credit to them, they brought the game to us,” Bulls coach Moronae Silaga said.
“They put us under pressure and we just couldn't find our way back until the last 10 minutes.
“Defence was probably our biggest weapon throughout the season so far, but at Geelong we were very poor on defence.
“That makes a massive difference and I think that they’re the only team to score three tries on us this year.”
Josua Tikoduadua, Mitieli Mateiwai and an in-form Benrock Falemai were the cornerstones for Shepparton and Silaga was quick to take the positives out of the round nine loss.
“It was a great game in the end,” he said.
“It’s good to lose that game as a lesson learned for all the boys and, hopefully, we bounce back from it and win another one.”
The Bulls still top the country conference at 8-1 and will host Bendigo this Saturday at Vibert Reserve in the hopes of rebounding quickly.
The first whistle is at 2pm.
Shepp stars turn to National tournament
Seven Bulls stars are preparing for the Australian School Girls Rugby 7s Championships.
Macayan Tuaopepe, Fofoa Tunumafono, Eleksia Finau-Fotu and Miley Navuni have been selected for Victoria’s under-18 7s squad, while Piper Heathcoate and Tolupene Pati have been picked in the under-16s.
The early July tournament on the Sunshine Coast acts as an elite pathway for Australia’s talented up-and-comers, with several Bulls players making a repeat appearance.
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