In front of a huge and parochial Showgrounds crowd, a seemingly rejuvenated Kyneton senior football side kicked six goals straight in the last quarter to upset Gisborne by three points.
The Tigers lifted their intensity and work rate in the final term, sending their supporters into raptures after Gisborne had looked set to make a clean sweep of victories across eight matches (netball and football on Saturday).
For Gisborne, it was not what had been expected, with the Bulldogs looking for the four points to open up an outside chance of sneaking into the finals.
The return of captain James Orr who had last played on June 17 was a plus for the Tigers, and they opened proceedings with six goals to five in a rapid-scoring first term.
There were some angry exchanges right on quarter-time, and Gisborne upped the pressure in the second quarter by monopolising the ball and scoring 6.5 to the home side’s three goals straight.
Bulldogs’ supporters expected their side, with ruckman Braidon Blake and Brad Bernacki in good form, would assert their superiority as the match progressed.
Kyneton had more scoring chances than their opponents in the third term, but trailed by two goals at the last change.
The Tigers were buoyed by staying in touch, and the last quarter turned into a thriller.
Gisborne could not deliver a killer blow even through kicking with a wind advantage.
Perhaps the Tigers were conscious of winning at Gisborne after the siren in round 5 on May 13.
The home crowd became very vocal as their side managed to win their fair share of the ball, and put goals on the board.
In a tension-packed finish, the Tigers managed to prevail by three points – 17.8 (110) to 16.11 (107).
Top goalkickers were Cameron Manuel (K) and Luke Ellings (G) both with four.
It was not only Kyneton supporters who were pleased … a couple of the Bendigo-based clubs that have not totally wrapped up a finals berth were relieved to find the Bulldogs were not breathing down their neck.
There are four rounds before the finals – and sixth-placed Kyneton have to play Castlemaine this Saturday, then Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Strathfieldsaye.
Could the Tigers notch up four wins? They can still dare to dream with such a resourceful effort on Saturday.
Gisborne have to play Golden Square at Gardiner Reserve this Saturday, then meet Sandhurst, South Bendigo and Maryborough.
Better players for the Tigers were Lucas Iudica, Bailey McGee, Cameron Manuel, Mason Crozier, Jayden Eales and Ben Cameron.
Gisborne’s best were Ellings, Blake, Bernacki, ZacDenahy, Matt Weber and captain Jack Reaper.
RESERVES AND UNDER 18s
The Reserves and Under 18s were well contested matches, with Gisborne taking the honours but being pushed all the way.
In the Reserves, the Bulldogs started well and jumped to a four-goal lead in the first quarter.
Both sides were close to full strength and Kyneton can be pleased with the last three quarters and feel their season is still alive.
Final scores were 8.12 to 6.9 in Gisborne’s favour.
Thrum, Agnew, Harris and Randall were among the Tigers’ best.
Kyneton Under 18s coach Ethan Foreman was super proud of the way his side played against the Bulldogs who have strong premiership credentials.
For the first time this season the Tigers had an almost full-strength side, and they really tested the young Bulldogs.
Gisborne took the points 8.12 to 5.4.
Best for Kyneton were Sam Pyers, Lachlan Sheahan, Josh Gray, Brady Muir, Alex Thomson and Jesse Smith.
All involved with the Kyneton FNC wish their unbeaten women’s side success in the grand final against Macedon on Saturday. The venue is Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend.
