Chasing their first premiership since 2006, Gisborne senior footballers were defeated by two goals by a battle-hardened Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo League’s second semi-final on Saturday.
Now Gisborne’s task is to rebound in the preliminary final against Golden Square in the preliminary final and earn another crack at the Storm (Strathfieldsaye).
Bulldogs coach Rob Waters knows he has a talented side at his disposal, and some players are likely to be better for the outing on Saturday.
Gisborne president John Wood was realistic after the big match at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
“Strathfieldsaye have a lot of experience, and a lot of people may have forget they have won two flags and been runner-up as well in the past three seasons.
“Their experience showed, and they got the job done,” Wood said.
Gisborne finished on top of the ladder, losing two matches in the home and away season, and along with Strathfieldsaye and Golden Square, were generally looked on as quality sides with premiership prospects this season.
There was a strong contingent of Gisborne supporters at the QEO as the club had three football sides in action, as well as two netball lineups.
CLOSE CONTEST
Saturday’s senior semi-final was a close contest in the first half, as Gisborne stayed in touch with three goals straight in the first term, then having plenty of chances in the second quarter before going into half-time with a five-point deficit.
It was anyone’s game, but the Storm lifted intensity and had a very handy lead at the last change in what was a low-scoring encounter.
Kicking four goals straight to Gisborne’s 4.4 in the last quarter, Strathfieldsaye emerged victorious leaving Gisborne players and supporters with a preliminary final on their minds.
Strathfieldsaye 4.3, 5.5, 8.11, 12.11 (83) d Gisborne 3.0, 4.6, 6.7, 10.11 (71).
Goals (S) – J. Schischka 4, L. Sharp 3, C. McCarty 2, B. Alexander, J. Moorhead, C. Frost.
Best – J. Neylan, McCarty, Moorhead, K. Geary, L. Gill, D. Clohesy.
Goals (G) – M. Merrett 3, P. McKenna, M. Weber 2, J. Jemp, S. Bell-Bartels, B. Bernacki.
Best – J. Reaper, E. Minns, Bernacki, M. Lord, B. Blake, Weber.
Gisborne Reserves earned a grand final berth with a 10.7 to 7.7 victory against Golden Square, while the Under 18s began well but were contained as a powerful Sandhurst combination won 8.4 to 4.4.
