It’s hard enough to win one premiership, but two in succession is really something to talk about for a long time.
No wonder Gisborne U18s coach Rob Kerr was pleased with the young Bulldogs who produced a determined, team brand of football to defeat Golden Square by four points in the Bendigo League grand final on Saturday.
In the second semi-final two weeks previously, Gisborne struggled to put goals on the board in a very low scoring contest, with Golden Square winning by 18 points. Gisborne bounced back with a decisive preliminary final effort against Sandhurst.
The 9.15am match on Saturday attracted plenty of interest as a lead-in to a big day of football and netball grand finals.
A strong second term enabled Gisborne to go to the half time break nine points ahead, and it was a seven-point advantage at the last change.
Kicking six goals from seven scoring shots in the first three quarters had kept Gisborne ahead, and players and supporters were pleased to hear the final siren sound in a match where both sides gave their all.
Scores: Gisborne 1.1, 4.1, 6.1, 8.5 (53) d Golden Square 2.1, 2.3, 4.5, 7.7 (49).
Captain Kane Minns led by example and was named as his side’s best player, with James Gray, James Gentles, Edward Williams, Jarrod Ainsworth and Flynn Weber also on the ‘best’ list.
With an abundance of talent across the field, some of the 22 premiership players may well develop into long term senior Bulldogs.
The premiership side lined up as follows:
B: Alonzo Rovere, Jack Long, Flynn Weber.
HB: Harrison Bryant, Lachlan Evans, Kane Minns.
C: Jacob Grinter, Jarrod Ainsworth, Max Whitefield.
HF: Edward Williams, Jack Clough, Lachie Bianco.
F: Hamish Thomas, Matthew Barake, James Gray.
Followers: Indy Williamson, Frankie Ellis, Darcy Young.
Interchange: Campbell Johns, James Gentles, L. Grech, Zach Paterson.
