In week one of the round five split round, Gisborne welcomed Castlemaine to Gardiner Reserve and claimed a home ground win.
The Magpies were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to South Bendigo at home, while the Bulldogs were aiming to forge on after a hard-fought 11-point win over Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park.
Gisborne were first on the board off the boot of former Magpie Zac Denahy and found a second via Luke Meletis to snatch an early lead.
The Magpies struck back with a goal to Liam Wilkinson, before the Bulldogs rounded out the quarter with goals to Jye Zerafa and Pat McKenna to lead by 20 points at the first break.
Castlemaine lifted in the second with an early goal to Josh Eyre, before Gisborne found another from Jacob Murphy. The Magpies never bowed their heads and made the most of their opportunities to kick another two to trail by just eight points at half-time.
Both sides squandered chances early in the third before Gisborne’s Harry Luxmoore finally kicked truly.
Pat McKenna bagged two more for the Bulldogs before Castlemaine found a reply through Zachary Greeves. The ball see-sawed from end to end before Luke Meletis kicked another goal for the Bulldogs to see them holding a 27-point advantage at the final change.
The Magpies continued to battle hard in the last term kicking three goals to Gisborne’s two to win the quarter. However, the Bulldogs held on to win by 21 points.
Best for the Bulldogs were Pat McKenna with four goals, Matthew Merrett, Jed Denahy, Bradley Bernacki, Thomas Werner and Jack Reaper.
Best for the Magpies were Kalan Huntly, Callum McConachy, Joshua Eyre, Ryan Eyre, Darby Semmens and Liam Wilkinson.
In the Reserves, the Magpies turned the tables defeating Gisborne by 23 points in a low-scoring clash.
The Magpies opened with a four-goal haul holding the Bulldogs to just two points. The home side fought their way back into the game but were unable to bridge the gap at the final siren.
Best for the Bulldogs were Darcy Young, Leon Thiner, Hugo Olive, Heath Simpson, Hudson Ororke and James Bullen.
Best for the Magpies were Archie Rixon, Bodhi Robinson, Aidan Medlyn, Tyson Hickey, Curtis McLennan and Rhys Jenkins.
In the Under 18s, Gisborne had a narrow four-point win over a determined Castlemaine in another low-scoring arm wrestle.
Best for the home side were Emil Stelma, Edan Waters, Declan Beggs, Lucas Carnell, Lucas Hannon and Lucas Borg.
Best for the visitors were Oliver Britt, Chaz Holman, Benjamin Jardine, Jack Nuttall, Caspian Lord and Oscar Giddings.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
In Women’s Football clashes, Castlemaine defeated White Hills in the Pink Round at the Camp Reserve to the tune of 92 points. Best for the Magpies were Eillish Cumming, Jemma Finning, Tiahna Cochrane, Meg Ginnivan, Brianna Burt, Eloise Gretgrix.
Gisborne-Kyneton United also had a resounding 83 point win over the Sunbury Kangaroos to retain top spot on the ladder.
NETBALL
On the netball court, the Bulldogs claimed A Reserve honours 67 to 28. Best on for the Magpies was Madie Clifford. Gisborne B Grade also had a strong win 90 to Castlemaine 19. Best for Castlemaine was Nat Quinn. B Reserve saw Gisborne win 78-4. Best for the Magpies was Hailee Browne-Kerr. The Under 17s was the closest clash of the day with Gisborne taking a clean sweep 42-24. Best for the valiant Magpie side was Madeline Springate.
THIS WEEKEND
Both sides will now enjoy a rest this weekend courtesy of the round five split round. This weekend Kangaroo Flat host Golden Square and Eaglehawk welcome Strathfieldsaye. On May 24 Gisborne will travel to the QEO to play Sandhurst and Castlemaine will host Eaglehawk.
The Magpie Women will also enjoy a bye this weekend before they play Golden Square at Wade Street on June 1.
The Gisborne-Kyneton Women will also have a spell before they tackle Roxburgh Park on May 24.
