WEDDERBURN capitalised when kicking to the scoring end in Saturday’s North Central encounter against reigning premiers Birchip Watchem.
But a scoreless opening term that had the Redbacks playing catch-up all day was the difference on the scoreboard.
The Bulls had numbers around the ball as Wedderburn was quickly shown what happens  when you give the team sitting second on the ladder, and finding peak form at the right time, any slack.
Birchip also highlighted a lack of depth that has hindered Wedderburn in an injury-hit season. Saturday’s line-up was the first unchanged Redbacks’ team selection in consecutive weeks for the first time in three seasons.
As coach Sam Barnes said after the game: “The result sums up our season ... we can get close but not close enough for the four points.”
Wedderburn leaked too many goals against the polished Bulls who worked the ball well between arcs and made the most of their chances to score goals.
A five-goal opening term onslaught put all the pressure on Wedderburn. Edwards was on his way to kicking seven for the day  and would have support from Gordon and rover Nick Rippon who caused havoc all day and earned the Bulls’ top award, sharing honours with key forwards.
A strong fightback by Wedderburn in the second term where Hargreaves continued making his presence felt in the ruck and Tom Campbell again proving himself a vital cog, gave the Redbacks confidence to change their game plan for the second half.
And it worked. Birchip’s flankers and pockets were drawn away from the intercepts and Wedderburn was increasingly able to control the ball instead seeing it blocked in.
The forward structure change gave Wedderburn six scoring shots for three goals at the non-favoured end.
Still trailing by six goals, Wedderburn made the most final quarter opportunities with an accurate 3.1 while holding the Bulls to 1.2.
Coach Barnes would again end the day with four goals while Benaim and Rosengren contributed two each.
Robert Whyman continues to make the most of his senior selection, bobbing up for another goal at the weekend.
Darcy Jackson, in his 100th game, was also in the Redbacks best.