Six goals apiece in the first quarter at the Showgrounds on Saturday indicated the Kyneton versus Gisborne senior match would be a high-scoring, closely fought affair.
Then a dramatic change came over the match, with the Bulldogs systematically taking control in most positions, snuffling out the Tigers’ forward advances, and ramming home 15-7 to 1.5 in the next two quarters.
The home side had been confident after an impressive runaway win over Castlemaine in the opening round, only to find the Bulldogs in a different class once they hit their straps.
To their credit, the Tigers did not capitulate and regrouped to match their opponents in the final term, going down by 89 points.
Some of the precision football produced by Gisborne was an early warning to the top Bendigo-based clubs, and coach Rob Waters and his assistants must be anticipating even further improvement when they face the Castlemaine Magpies at Gardiner Reserve this Saturday.
Kyneton coach Paul Chapman will be looking for a more consistent performance across the four quarters at Strathfieldsaye this weekend.
Gisborne’s mixture of youth and experience shone through, with Brad Bernacki close to his impeccable kicking gathering best, and big ruckman Jayden Owen proving his worth back in Bulldog colours.
In attack, the elusive Josh Kemp came up with seven goals, and proven key forward Pat McKenna five.
Winger Josh Phillips was listed as Kyneton’s best, with recruit Cam Maneul (ex-Moe) proving his worth with four goals, equalled by evergreen Rhys Magin.
In the Reserves, Gisborne proved too accomplished, winning 17.6 (108) to 8.2 (50).
Details from the main match were:
Gisborne 6.2, 15.6m 21.9, 24.12 (156) d Kyneton 6.0, 6.1, 7.6, 10.7 (67).
Goals (G) – J. Kemp 7, P. McKenna 5, B. Bernarki, E. Foreman, M. Merrett 2, J. Scanlon, M. Pannucio, S. Bell-Bartels, M. Lord.
Best – Bernarki, J. Owen, Kemp, B. Graham, F. Lakey, M. Lord.
Goals (K) – R. Magin, C. Manuel 4, R. Pretty 2.
Best – L. Phillips, J. Safstrom, Manuel, Magin, H. Yunghanns, D. Bartrop.
