The Bendigo League’s senior football and netball teams scored convincing victories in the big interleague bonanza against Ovens and Murray on Saturday.
In the senior football, Bendigo was quick out of the blocks and soon had a significant lead on the board.
Gaining in confidence, the Bendigo side coached by Simon Rosa held what seemed to be a winning lead by half-time and were able to keep their opponents in check in the second half to win 14.13 (97) to 11.11 (77). Assisting Rosa was Kyneton local and current Broadford coach Nathan Thompson.
Star Gisborne ball winner Dylan Johnstone was voted best afield, and James Gray (three goals) and Zac Vescovi were the other Gisborne players in the lineup. Also starring for the Blue and Gold were Castlemaine’s Bailey Henderson and Michael Hartley (three goals) and Harrison Sheahan.
The vocal Queen Elizabeth Oval home crowd urged their players on, and saw some quality football.
Rosa praised his team afterwards and said they had earned the BFNL some respect by defeating quality opposition.
Earlier in the day, O&M Under 18s proved too strong with a 9.8 (62) to 5.11 (41) victory.
NETBALL TRIUMPH
A methodical class display of netball was turned on by the Bendigo team, who outclassed O&M 83-49.
Gisborne’s Tarryn Rymer was coach of the BFNL side, and was exceptionally pleased with the way her team had combined so fluently, and worked hard for one another.
Best on court award went to the BFNL’s Ruby Barkmeyer.
In the Under 15 and U17 netball, spectators certainly got their money’s worth.
Both matches were decided by a point, with O&M prevailing.
BFL general manager Tom King said it had been a great occasion in the history of the league, and commended O&M for playing its part.
