Wet conditions prevailed at Gardiner Reserve on Saturday, as Gisborne had some big wins against Castlemaine.
In seven of the eight matches (three football, five netball) the Bulldogs were never in danger.
The one exception was the thrilling 17&Under netball match where scores were tied 37-37 at siren time.
With this result, Castlemaine’s young side remains in fifth position, and Gisborne sixth, but the situation is likely to change in the final home and away match on Saturday.
Gisborne A-grade netballers, on top of the ladder, gained a huge percentage boost with an astonishing 106-12 victory against the Magpies.
In A-Reserve the home side won 72-19, in B-grade the margin was 82-23, and in B-Reserve the final score was 71-30.
This Saturday, Gisborne’s premiership prospects of a repeat premiership in A-grade may become more apparent after the away match against second-placed Kangaroo Flat.
Last week the Gisborne club showed its strong faith in head coaches Tarryn Rymer and Rob Waters by re-appointing them for the 2025 season.
In the senior football match, Gisborne methodically snuffed out Castlemaine’s hopes of making the finals with a 12.20 (92) to 5.9 (39) victory.
Just one goal for each side came in the first term, and Gisborne edged ahead to lead by 17 points by half-time.
Any hopes of a Magpie revival soon disappeared as the home side rattled on five goals to two in the third quarter, then stretched the margin further in the last quarter.
Conditions probably accounted for some of the off-target shooting for goal.
The Bulldogs had plenty if players who contributed to the victory.
Reliable ruckman Braidon Blake, in-form Macklan Lord, strong leader Pat McKenna (three goals), Flynn Lakey, Jackson Cardillo and Frank Schipano were listed the ‘Dogs best players.
In the Under 18s, Gisborne opened the day with a 6.7 to 1.5 victory.
The wayward Gisborne Reserves monopolised the ball for much of their match, ending up with an 8.18 to 1.2 victory.
Gisborne supporters understandably have high hopes of seeing some premierships come south after finals at the Queen Elizabeth Oval this season.
Tyson Hickey. 
Pat McKenna. 
Braidon Blake. 
Tianna Newman. 
Head coach Tarryn Rymer. Photos: Peter Banko
