Barnet Bulldogs overwhelm Cobham Cobras in convincing opening-day victory

A faultless fourth quarter from Barnet proved too much for Cobham to handle as the Bulldogs went top on the opening weekend.  

Will Farquharson

New season, same old Bulldogs. Barnet were rarely at their scintillating best on Sunday afternoon but their quality ultimately shone through, finishing as 69-43 winners in their first league game of the season.  

The Bulldogs have lofty aspirations this year. Having finished second last season, only a championship will suffice this time round. New signing Christian Gamble started against the Cobras, forming an all-American backcourt with last season’s MVP Sable Cooper. Australian Vinnie Monaghan would also feature from the opening tip. 

Barnet did the league double over Cobham last season, but the start of Sunday’s contest suggested things might fare differently this time around. It was an evenly matched opening frame as the lead swung between both sides.  

Throughout the first quarter, neither team was able to find a flow offensively, but 6’8” centre Levi Ehiorobo was making his presence felt on the defensive end. Ehiorobo ended the period with two blocks to his name, including a vicious rejection on Cobras forward John Stewart. 

As the matchup grew older, Gamble began to find his feet. Having drained a corner three midway through the first quarter, he executed a tough free-throw line floater soon after – and made sure to let the opposition know about it. 

The Cougars would get their own back though. With time running out in the period, Akobuike Orlu swatted away Gamble’s effort, allowing Abdul Oladipupo to storm clear and slam the ball home moments before the buzzer sounded for the end of the period.  

The second quarter saw both teams get into more of a rhythm offensively. Ohio native Cooper – who struggled to make an impact during the opening frame – joined the party. His heavily-contested baseline fadeaway drew oohs and ahs from onlookers.   

Barnet were starting to build a lead but coach Soheil Ordouei remained far from pleased with his side, making his feelings clear during an animated timeout. The Bulldogs were on top, but turnovers were aplenty, and improvements would be expected heading into the second half.  

It was not until the fourth quarter, however, that the best of Barnet came to the fore. With the score at 37-45, the Bulldogs began to show their class.  

Monaghan, who impressed on his competitive debut for Barnet, shifted between defenders with excellent footwork before adeptly laying the ball in off the glass. It was an all-action final frame for Monaghan, who entered into a scuffle with Marcel Dias Mendes shortly after. Both players received a technical foul. 

As the Bulldogs grew in confidence, the Cobras started to wilt. A barrage of three pointers ensued – Duru, Monaghan and Cooper all knocked down shots from range. Cobham looked demoralised and lethargic, often failing to box out or get back in transition.  

Barnet would go on to win the final period by 24 points to eight. While the 26-point score differential does not tell the whole story of the game, it reflects the quality that coach Ordouei has at his disposal this season. Even when Barnet are not at their best, they can still come out as convincing winners. 

The Bulldogs face newly-promoted Oaklands Wolves on Saturday in their first home game of the season, while the Cobham Cobras visit Barking Abbey.