GOLDEN Square jumped back to the fifth rung on the A-grade netball ladder after Saturday’s final round in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League’s regular season.

An 18th round bye because it was drawn to play Kyneton meant Golden Square pocketed the four premiership points.

In the process the blue and gold moved from seventh to fifth as closest rivals Maryborough and South Bendigo were defeated at Eaglehawk and Gisborne respectively.

Maryborough began the day’s play in fifth place, but needed to win on Eaglehawk’s court to stay there.

The clash of the Magpies and Hawks at Canterbury Park was one of the season’s best.

A high-scoring and entertaining contest ended in a 65-52 victory for Eaglehawk.

Further south at Gisborne and the South Bendigo line-up needed a miracle.

The Bloods had to win and by a significant margin to pass Square on percentage.

It was not to be as a skilful Gisborne won 54-36.

Gisborne and Eaglehawk complete the 18 rounds of the home and away series on identical win-loss tallies of 11-3, but the girls in red, white and blue finish almost eight per cent clear.

Both teams will now prepare for Saturday’s qualifying final to be played at the QEO from 3.20pm.

Kangaroo Flat bounced to the finals in fine style.

The Kangaroos won 55-35 in Saturday night’s match against Strathfieldsaye at Tannery Lane.

Sunday’s A-grade elimination final between Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square starts at 3.20pm.

Beaten just once in the regular season, Sandhurst has another week off after Saturday’s bye because Castlemaine does not field an A-grade team.

Bendigo FNL A-grade netball ladder after 18 rounds:

Sandhurst 66 points, 149 per cent; Gisborne 60, 137; Eaglehawk 60, 129; Kangaroo Flat 50, 117; Golden Square 32, 87; Maryborough 32, 80; South Bendigo 32, 77; Strathfieldsaye 20, 58.