In what may well be a prelude to the Bendigo League qualifying final, Gisborne senior footballers defeated Eaglehawk by 15 points on Saturday.
The Bulldogs really earned their victory, as the second-placed visitors dominated play in the first quarter at Gardiner Reserve.
Forced onto the defensive, Gisborne conceded 3.6 to a solitary point and home club supporters were pleased to hear the quarter-time siren.
A welcome chance to regroup, and the Bulldogs then showed their resilience by taking control with a second term 5.5 to 0.2 shutting the opposition down.
It was one of the ‘Dogs best single quarter performances this season.
WAR OF ATTRITION
The second half was virtually a war of attrition, with forwards generally shut down.
Gisborne led 6.7 to 4.13 at the last break, and with 15 minutes to play it was anyone’s game when the margin was eight points.
The ‘Dogs gained a vital goal and went on to secure a valuable 9.12 (66) to 6.15 (51) victory.
Matt Merrett led the way up forward with four goals.
In round 4 this season, Gisborne won by 11 points at Eaglehawk, and both sides will be optimistic about what the finals may bring.
Sandhurst sit on top of the ladder, with the Dragons having lost one match — against Gisborne. The ‘Dogs are now a game ahead of Eaglehawk.
Best players for Gisborne were listed as Pat McKenna, Zac Vescovi, James Gray, Brad Bernacki, Merrett, and captain Jack Reaper.
Gisborne Reserves doubled the scoring shots of Eaglehawk, but lost by seven points.
Final scores were 7.1 (43) to 4.12 (36).
Gisborne Under 18s scored their seventh victory for the season, with a 9.18 (72) to 4.4 (28) scoreline, and are looking forward to playing finals.
ONE-SIDED NETBALL
Confident Gisborne netball sides won all their matches, by substantial margins.
A-grade prevailed 53-18, and it was 60-35 in A-Reserve, 63-26 in B-grade, 67-27 in B-Reserve, and 52-35 in the 17&Unders.
