Round 11

Gisborne aims to end Dragons streak

GISBORNE will be striving to break Sandhurst’s unbeaten run in this Saturday’s 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It’s second against first as Gisborne hosts Sandhurst at Gardiner Reserve from 2.20pm.

When these clubs met in round two it was the Dragons who claimed a 15-point victory at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Sandhurst team coached by Ash Connick, non-playing, and Bryce Curnow, playing, will be fighting to mark a 10^th consecutive victory.

That task will not be easy on Gisborne’s turf.

Although it will be without gun ruckman Braidon Blake because of concussion protocols, Gisborne on-ballers Brad Bernacki, Flynn Lakey and Jackson Cardillo are capable of winning plenty of the footy.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs have moved Jack Scanlon from attack to the ruck.

On-ball duels will be a highlight, especially the play of Sandhurst captain Lachlan Tardrew who is likely to have polled plenty of votes in the Michelsen medal race.

There’s plenty of goalkicking power in both line-ups.

A talented Gisborne attack includes premiership-winning captain Pat McKenna, Zac Denany and Harry Luxmoore.

Back at Sandhurst after a stint with AFL clubs Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, Fergus Greene has kicked 52 goals to be leading the charge for the Ron Best Medal as leading goalkicker.

The Dragons also have Cobi Maxted and Tanner Nally to test a Gisborne defence led by Jack Reaper, Zach Vescovi and Jed Denany.

At selection, Sandhurst recalled premiership player Nick Stagg.

The Dragons also brought in hard-at-it mid/forward Brodie Montague for his first senior game of the season.

Big roles for the maroon and blue will be played by James Coghlan, Zach Pallpratt, Lachlan Wright and Connor Sexton.

Strathfieldsaye’s fierce rivalry with Golden Square will be renewed at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

In his first year as Storm’s senior coach, Luke Freeman has chalked up a seven-two record.

The run by Strathfieldsaye includes a 77-49 victory at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in round two.

Storm has the marking power of James Schischka, Caleb Ernst and Malik Gordon to test the Bulldogs defence.

They have often capitalised on the hard work of an on-ball and midfield group that includes Lachlan Gill, Matt Harvey, ruckman Tim Hosking, Daniel Clohesy and Bode Stevens.

Big roles for the Brad Eaton-coached Golden Square will be played by ruckman Tanner Rayner, Jon Coe in defence, Jordan Rosengren in the centre, and captain Jayden Burke at full-forward.

Premiership player Ricky Monti brings plenty of run and skill to the Golden Square line-up.

Monti has played five games with the Dogs this season and six with Essendon in the VFL.

One of many talented youngsters in Square’s squad, Harrison Kelly is back for his first senior game since the round four win against Kangaroo Flat.

The Bulldogs have also brought in Melvic Pambai who previously played for White Hills under-18s and for Seymour Lions in for his first senior game with the club.

Kangaroo Flat will be back home at Dower Park to play Maryborough.

The Michael Ellings-coached Kangaroos have not won since round three against South Bendigo.

Roos’ midfielder Luke Ellings and the classy Jack Lefroy were the Roos’ best in last Saturday’s coash with Sandhurst at the QEO.

Kangaroo Flat’s team to take on Maryborough includes Ethan Roberts, Harry Whitty, Daniel and Luke Stagg, Toby Roberts, and Toby Balcke.

Been a daunting run for Maryborough, but the play of co-coach Coby Perry to keep winning contest after contest is outstanding.

The Magpies have Kya Lanfranchi in great touch in defence.

Joel Swatton will be up against one of his former clubs and determined to play well.

Maryborough’s team to tackle the Roos includes Fraser Russell, Aidan Medlyn, co-coach Matt Johnston, Josh Britten and Alex Brown.

Castlemaine clashes with South Bendigo in the Magpies’ nest at Camp Reserve.

The Magpies have already surpassed last season’s tally of two wins.

First-year coach Michael Hartley and his team will be doing all they can to achieve some more.

It starts with a showdown with the Bloods who beat Castlemaine by seven goals in round two at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Will be another big challenge for the Magpies to limit the quality and quantity of supply to Bloods forwards Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants.

A talented Castlemaine attack includes Michael Hartley, Zac Greeves and captain Bailey Henderson.

Ryan Eyre, Matt Filo, Zavier Murley and Jack Chester will be driving forces in the Magpies’ moves.

Crucial roles for the Steven Stroobants and Isaiah Miller-coached South Bendigo will be played by ruck-rover Brody Haddow, Anthony Zimmerman, captain Zac Hare and William Marks.

Young Bloods such as Zaydn Lockwood and Zavier Holmes have the athleticism and marking strength to test their opponents.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 328 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 233, 28; Strathfieldsaye 176, 28; Eaglehawk 141, 20; Golden Square 124, 20; Castlemaine 105, 12; South Bendigo 71, 8; Kangaroo Flat 53, 8; Maryborough 13, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

52 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.

43 James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye.

33 Brock Harvey, South Bendigo.

32 Michael Hartley, Castlemaine.

29 Pat McKenna, Gisborne.

28 Steven Stroobants, South Bendigo.

25 Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne.

23 Jack Stewart, Golden Square.

22 Jonty Neaves, Eaglehawk.

21 Jayden Burke, Golden Square.

19 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.

18 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.

18 Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst.

17 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.

17 Malik Gordon, Strathfieldsaye.

16 Zac Denahy, Gisborne.

14 Bryce Curnow, Sandhurst.

14 Abe Sheahan, Strathfieldsaye.

14 Harry Whitty, Kangaroo Flat.

13 Zac Greeves, Castlemaine.

13 Darcy Richards, Eaglehawk.

12 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.

12 Matt Merrett, Gisborne.

12 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.

11 Nick Stagg, Sandhurst.

11 Noah Walsh, Sandhurst.

10 Zach Charles, Strathfieldsaye.

10 Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk.

10 Mitchell Ronchieri, Eaglehawk.

10 Tom Strauch, Golden Square.

10 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.

GOLDEN Square will try to halt Strathfieldsaye’s winning surge in Saturday’s 11^th round of senior footy action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Teams are back in action after last Saturday’s general bye.

It’s a short-lived rivalry of less than 15 years, but in that time the Bulldogs and Storm have played out many classic contests.

When they met in round two, Golden Square won 101-94 at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

This Saturday’s showdown at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street  may be another as both are riding on winning streaks of six and five games.

Since consecutive defeats in rounds three and four the Christian Carter-coached Golden Square has struck back brilliantly.

A 13-goal loss at home to Eaglehawk in round five meant Strathfieldsaye had a 2-3 record.

The Darryl Wilson-coached Storm is on a five-game winning streak.

Both teams are stacked with plenty of talent.

A formidable Golden Square attack includes Joel Brett, last season’s Ron Best medallist as the league’s leading goalkicker, along with the marking power of Jayden Burke and Braydon Vaz.

It’s a daunting task for Storm defenders Patrick Blandford, Lachlan Ratcliffe and Ben Lester.

Storm’s forward line is brilliantly led by captain and dual Ron Best medallist Lachlan Sharp.

Other key targets inside forward 50m for Strathfieldsaye are James Schischka and Caleb Ernst.

They will be up against a dogged defence in blue and gold led by Jon Coe, Jack Hickman and Zack Shelton.

Across midfield, Square has Liam Barrett, Ryan Hartley and Zavier Murley to take on Darcy Mulquiny, Callum McCarty and Lachlan Gill.

Square has the running power and skill of Jack Geary, Ryan Hartley, Ricky Monti and Tom Toma.

Bulldogs’ long-time ruckman Matt Compston is up against Tim Hosking.

Key players at ground level for Storm include Riley Wilson, Luke Webb, Lachlan Bonney and Bode Stevens.

South Bendigo takes on Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington.

The Bloods and Roos are both on the rebound from defeat.

It’s been a dramatic time at Kangaroo Flat since the loss to Sandhurst on June 24.

Then-Roos’ coach Nathan Johns was reported for threatening and abusive language toward an umpire, and making contact with an umpire after the match.

Johns was handed a four-match suspension by the BFNL independent tribunal and had his contract terminated by the club.

Assistant coach Jeremy Hayes is Kangaroo Flat’s interim coach.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods are fourth on a 6-4 record.

Key players for South Bendigo include Brody Haddow in the centre, ruckman Mac Cameron, Brock Harvey and Steven Stroobants in attack, Braydan Torpey and Andrew van Heumen in defence.

The Kangaroos will look for big games from the likes of co-captains Mitch Collins and Ethan Roberts, Jordan and Zac Rouse, Harry Whitty, ruckman Toby Roberts, and Ryan O’Keefe.

The Roos did show in a three-point win against Eaglehawk they can be a dangerous opponent.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to play Kyneton.

It’s a crucial contest for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers as they fight to stay in touch with the top five.

An extremely challenging task for Kyneton against a Sandhurst line-up that has Matt Thornton, Lachlan Wright and Cobi Maxted.

The Dragons also welcome back co-coach Bryce Curnow to the field, while Ash Connick coaches from the sidelines.

A talented Sandhurst line-up includes James and Lee Coghlan, Andy Collins, ruckman Hamish Hosking, Nick Stagg, Noah Walsh and Joel Wharton.

Tigers’ plans for a massive upset rest greatly on the play of Cameron Manuel, Thomas Quinn, Harrison Huntley, Hamish Yunghanns, Mitch Comben and Jayden Eales.

A premiership winner at Gisborne last season, Ethan Foreman is back with the yellow and black.

A skilful small forward, Foreman could do some damage, but will rely a lot on quality and quantity of supply.

Gisborne returns to Gardiner Reserve to take on Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs were superb across the opening three quarters in their latest hit-out at Strathfieldsaye, but could not Storm’s run in the final term.

Gisborne’s best in that match were Matt Merrett, Flynn Lakey and Frank Schipano.

Bring the intensity it had at Strathfieldsaye a fortnight ago and Gisborne should mark its fourth win of the season.

The Bulldogs have the premiership-winning on-ball combination of Braidon Blake, Brad Bernacki and Flynn Lakey teaming up again.

Other key players for Gisborne include captain Jack Reaper, Seb Bell-Bartels and Zac Denahy.

The Dogs also have Matthew Barake to play his second senior match.

A tally of 40 disposals, which included 23 contested, earned Castlemaine on-baller Matt Filo the Barry Plant Player of the Round award as the Pies beat Maryborough in the 10^th round.

Filo will again play a key role for the Magpies who also welcome back key position player Bailey Henderson.

Castlemaine’s best in a hard-fought 19-point win against Maryborough included Brodie Byrne, Ethan Hein, Tyson Hickey, Callum McConachy and Riley Pedretti.

Massive test for a Magpies’ defence that includes Brendan Josey, John Watson, Ashton Frankling and Thomas Wilson.

Other players to watch are Brodie Browne-Kerr, Ben Moran and Jackson  Byrne.

Maryborough is on home turf at Princes Park to take on Eaglehawk.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies played well to hold a nine-point lead at three-quarter time of the match at Castlemaine, but could not stop the home team’s charge in the last.

Best for the Borough in that match were Brady Neill, Mitch McClure and Kya Lanfranchi.

The Magpies face another enormous challenge against a Hawks line-up which regained confidence and form as it beat South Bendigo by 56 points last round.

The Magpies will rely a lot on the pressure applied by Riley Hamilton, Joel Swatton, Coby Perry, ruckman Ty Stewart, Luke Bucknall and Jai Howell at centre ball-ups and stoppages.

They are up against Hawks’ playmakers such as Jack and Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen, Connor Dalgleish, Noah Wheeler and Billy Evans.

Eaglehawk key forward Darcy Richards will be keen to play well against his former club.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 246 per cent, 38 points; Golden Square 227, 32; Strathfieldsaye 154, 28; Eaglehawk 202, 26; South Bendigo 140, 24; Kyneton 87, 20; Gisborne 114, 12; Kangaroo Flat 55, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 18, 0.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

45 - (4) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
44 - (3) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
32 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
26 - (1) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
26 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
26 - (0) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
23 - (0) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
20 - (3) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (2) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
18 - (0) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
17 - (3) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
16 - (3) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (0) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (3) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
14 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
14 - (0) - Callum McCarty - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
13 - (0) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
13 - (0) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors
13 - (1) - Hamish Morcom - Golden Square Seniors
12 - (2) - Jed Brereton - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
12 - (0) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne Seniors
11 - (1) - Dylan Hird - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Noah Wheeler - Eaglehawk Seniors
11 - (0) - Hugh Freckleton - Golden Square Seniors
11 - (1) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne Seniors
11 - (1) - Liam Marciano - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (0) - Billy Evans - Eaglehawk Seniors
10 - (3) - Baxter Slater - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (1) - Zavier Murley - Golden Square Seniors
10 - (1) - Jordan Wilson - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
10 - (0) - Jack O’shannessy - Eaglehawk Seniors

Gisborne wins dramatic clash with Sandhurst

GISBORNE withstood a late-quarter charge to end Sandhurst’s unbeaten run in Saturday’s 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy action.

The Bulldogs and Dragons played out a match worthy of the top-two billing at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Four goals as it kept the visitors to just one in the second term put Gisborne up by 13 points of half-time in a hard-fought contest.

The Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs then scored 3.5 to 1.3 in the third.

Sandhurst’s play lifted dramatically in the final term.

The Dragons faced a 27-point deficit, but teamed brilliantly to score five goals.

At that point Gisborne had booted the one major as scores were on 61-all.

The Dogs steadied to score consecutive goals before Sandhurst booted the final goal.

At the siren Gisborne led 73-67.

Premiership-winning captain of two years ago, Pat McKenna capped a brilliant match with five goals for the red, white and blue.

Harry Luxmoore kicked two goals for Gisborne.

The Dragons’ attack was led by Fergus Greene on four goals as Tanner Nally added two.

Best afield honours went to Pat McKenna as Zach Vescovi, Jack Reaper, Brad Bernacki, Flynn  Lakey and Jack Scanlon also starred for Gisborne.

Lachlan Tardrew, James Coghlan, Charlie Robinson, Fergus Greene, Lachie Hood and Zach Pallpratt were best for the Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst.

Strathfieldsaye responded to a fierce challenge from Golden Square to take the points on Storm’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Scores were locked on 39-all at three quarter-time.

In the last it was the Luke Freeman-coached Storm which started to control a lot more of the play.

Storm scored four unanswered goals to complete a 63-40 victory.

Jed Daniels and James Schischka kicked two goals in the testing conditions.

A match-high three goals by Jack Stewart put him among the best for the blue and gold.

Storm’s charge to victory was led by Daniel Clohesy, Patrick Blandford, Bode Stevens, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Cooper Jones and Tim Hosking.

Ricky Monti, Jack Stewart, Luke Holt, Lachlan Humprhey and Tanner Rayner were best for the Brad Eaton-coached Bulldogs.

Playing in defence, Melvic Pambai marked his first senior game for Golden Square  by being among the best.

A resurgent Castlemaine moved within four points of the fifth-placed Golden Square.

Seven goals to nil in the opening term put the Michael Hartley-coached Castlemaine on track to victory against South Bendigo at Camp Reserve.

The Magpies scored 10 goals and kept the Bloods goalless in the first half.

By the long break the black and white led 67-5.

It was a more event contest in the second half as both teams scored 25 points.

Kalan Huntly went on to kick a match-high three goals as Michael Hartley, captain Bailey Henderson and Tyson Hickey kicked two each in a 92-30 result.

There were no multiple goalkickers for the Bloods.

Castlemaine’s best were Callum McConachy, Lloyd Butcher, Liam Wilkinson, Brodie Byrne, Zavier Murley and Harrison Sheahan.

Anthony Zimmerman, Zac Hare, co-coach Isaiah Miller, Alex Smith, Darcy Backway and Brody Haddow were best for a Bloods line-up which has Steven Stroobants as co-coach.

Kangaroo Flat bounced back to the winners’ list as it scored 19.12 (126) to 7.6 (48) against Maryborough at Dower Park.

The Michael Ellings-coached Roos were desperate for the premiership points, but also for a match as it lent six players to an injury-hit Maryborough.

A closely-fought first quarter went Flat’s way, 31-19.

The Roos scored three goals in the second, but the Magpies worked hard to add two majors.

A 21-point lead for Kangaroo Flat at half-time became 49 by the last change after it slammed on seven goals in the third quarter.

Ethan Roberts, Luke Ellings and Isaac Lowndes kept winning plenty of the footy as the Roos kicked on to victory.

The talented Harry Whitty kicked five goals and the classy Jack Lefroy added four.

Other multiple goalkickers for the Roos were Luke Ellings and Jake Hywood on three.

Magpies’ co-coach Matt Johnston kicked three goals.

The Roos’ best included Toby Roberts, Jack Lefroy and Campbell Smith.

Maryborough co-coach Coby Perry, Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Aidan Medlyn, Seb Collins and Josh Britten played well in the team’s most competitive hit-out in many weeks.

Eaglehawk had the bye.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 293 per cent, 36 points; Gisborne 216, 32; Strathfieldsaye 175, 32; Eaglehawk 141, 20; Golden Square 118, 20; Castlemaine 113, 16; Kangaroo Flat 63, 12; South Bendigo 68, 8; Maryborough 14, 0.

Because of next Saturday’s inter-league clash with the Victorian Amateurs at Elsternwick Park in Brighton there will be no play in the Bendigo FNL.

Round 12 will be played on July 13.

A big clash will be Eaglehawk against Strathfieldsaye on the Borough’s Canterbury Park oval from 2.20pm.

Golden Square takes on a resurgent Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

South Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat clash at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

Maryborough faces Gisborne in the Magpies’ nest at Princes Park.

Sandhurst has the bye.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

56 - (4) - Fergus Greene - Sandhurst 
45 - (2) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye 
34 - (1) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo 
34 - (2) - Michael Hartley - Castlemaine 
34 - (5) - Pat McKenna - Gisborne 
29 - (1) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo 
27 - (2) - Harry Luxmoore - Gisborne 
26 - (3) - Jack Stewart - Golden Square 
22 - (0) - Jonty Neaves - Eaglehawk 
21 - (0) - Jayden Burke - Golden Square 
20 - (2) - Bailey Henderson - Castlemaine 
20 - (1) - Cobi Maxted - Sandhurst 
19 - (5) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat 
18 - (0) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst 
18 - (1) - Malik Gordon - Strathfieldsaye 
17 - (1) - Zac Denahy - Gisborne 
17 - (0) - Bradley Bernacki - Gisborne 
15 - (1) - Abe Sheahan - Strathfieldsaye 
14 - (0) - Bryce Curnow - Sandhurst 
13 - (0) - Zachary Greeves - Castlemaine 
13 - (1) - Matthew Merrett - Gisborne 
13 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk 
12 - (0) - Lachlan Tardrew - Sandhurst 
12 - (0) - Lachlan Gill - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (0) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst 
11 - (1) - Zach Charles - Strathfieldsaye 
11 - (0) - Noah Walsh - Sandhurst 

GOLDEN Square thrashed Strathfieldsaye by 13 goals in the 11^th round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action on Saturday.

The Bulldogs and Storm both rode winning streaks of six and five matches into the clash on Golden Square’s ground at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Christian Carter-coached Golden Square led 20-5 at quarter-time and then seized control as it slammed on 5.2 to 1.5 in the second.

The Bulldogs’ dominance of stoppages was superb and the attack capitalised to score 4.3 in the crucial third term.

Just as important was the Dogs’ defensive play as they kept the Darryl Wilson-coached Storm scoreless in quarter three.

Square’s intensity and run did not ease up as the blue and gold added 5.1 to 2.4 in the last for a 110-32 result.

Joel Brett and Jack Stewart led the attack on four goals each as Tom Strauch added two.

A great sign for the Dogs was having seven other goalkickers.

On a tough afternoon for Storm it was Darcy Mulquiny, Luke Webb and Jordan Wilson who were on target.

Best for Golden Square were Liam Barrett, Matt Compston, Harrison Burke, Jack Hickman, Brodie James and Jack Stewart.

Luke Webb, Caleb Ernst, James Schischke, Bode Stevens, Jordan and Riley Wilson were Strathfieldsaye’s best.

Despite its inaccuracy, Sandhurst was able to claim a 51-point win against Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Ash Connick and Bryce Curnow-coached Sandhurst led 23-3 at quarter-time and then added 1.5 as it kept the Tigers scoreless in the second term.

A 31-point lead at the long break was 32 by the last after the Dragons won the third term, 3.3 to 3.2.

Led by the play of Cooper Smith, Bryce Curnow, and Hamish Hosking in the ruck, Sandhurst added 6.3 to 3.2 in the final term.

Talented youngster Lachlan Wright led the Dragons’ attack on four goals as Matt Thornton chipped in with two.

Multiple goalkickers for Kyneton were Cameron Manuel and Thomas Quinn on two.

The Dragons’ best included Nick Stagg, Isaac Carracher and Darcy Mills.

Harrison Huntly, Thomas Quinn, Mason Crozier, Bailey McGee, James Gaff and Dom Bennington were best for the Paul Chapman-coached Tigers.

A brilliant opening quarter set up South Bendigo’s win against Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington.

The Nathan Horbury-coached Bloods scored 6.3 to 1.2 in the first term.

From there it was an evenly-fought contest in which the Bloods added 75 points and the Kangaroos scored 70.

After being outplayed in term one the Roos who had Jeremy Hayes in charge as coach for the first time fought back strongly.

Kangaroo Flat scored 4.1 to 1.1 in the second to be within 13 points at the long break.

The Bloods then slammed on 10 goals in the third as it held the Flat to a tally of 1.1.

Despite a 71 point deficit at the last change, Kangaroo Flat never gave up and added 6.2 to just three behinds in the last.

At the final siren, South Bendigo led 17.12 (114) to 12.6 (78).

Steven Stroobants kicked a match-high six goals for the Bloods as Brody Haddow, Brock Harvey and Will Keck added two each.

The Roos’ attack was led by Nic Keogh, four; and Harry Whitty, three.

South Bendigo’s best were Mac Cameron, Tait Poyser, Brody Haddow, Oscar White, Steven Stroobants and Sam Maher.

Kyle Symons, Noah Furlong, Nic Keogh, Connor Evans, Mitchell Collins and Campbell Smith played well for the Kangaroos.

Gisborne won all quarters in a 101-36 victory on its turf at Gardiner Reserve against Castlemaine.

The Brad Fox-coached Bulldogs led 21-10 at quarter-time and then slammed on 7.3 to just two goals in the second.

Defences dominated most of the third quarter as Gisborne added 2.1 and the Magpies scored 1.1.

Jake Normington and Jack Reaper ended the match with three goals apiece as the Bulldogs scored 15.11 (101) to 5.6 (36).

Brad Keogh booted two goals for Castlemaine.

Best for Gisborne were Matt Merrett, Zac Vescovi, Zac Denahy, Liam Spear, Jake Normington and Kane Minns.

John Watson, Bailey Henderson, Matt Filo, Callum McConachy, Liam Wilkinson and Nic Woodman were best for the Brendan Shepherd-coached Magpies.

Eaglehawk held Maryborough to a tally of two points across the last three quarters as it recorded a 104-point victory at Princes Park.

The Coby Perry-coached Magpies started well to score 2.1 in the first term as Eaglehawk was on 2.7.

From there it was the Travis Matheson-coached Eaglehawk which dominated play.

The Two Blues scored 4.2 to a point in the second, 5.2 to a point in the third, and 6.6 to nil in the last.

At the final siren Eaglehawk led 17.17 (119) to 2.3 (15).

Joel Mullen led the Hawks’ attack on four goals as Lewin Davis, Dylan Hird, Liam Marciano, Noah Wheeler and Dillon Williams chipped in with two each.

Chris Freeman kicked both of Maryborough’s goals.

Best for Eaglehawk were Dillon Williams, Noah Wheeler, Billy Evans, Ben Thompson, Joel Mullen and Lewin Davis.

Maryborough’s best were Kya Lanfranchi, Joel Swatton, Mitch McClure, Chris Freeman, Ty Stewart and Brady Neill.

Bendigo FNL senior footy ladder:

Sandhurst 243 per cent, 42 points; Golden Square 233, 36; Eaglehawk 219, 30; South Bendigo 140, 28; Strathfieldsaye 136, 28; Kyneton 20, 83; Gisborne 122, 16; Kangaroo Flat 56, 12; Castlemaine 40, 8; Maryborough 17, 0.

Match of the day in next Saturday’s round 12 action will be Golden Square against Sandhurst at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

Eaglehawk takes on Gisborne at Canterbury Park.

Kangaroo Flat tackles Maryborough on the Roos’ ground at Dower Park.

Kyneton faces South Bendigo at Kyneton Showgrounds.

Strathfieldsaye plays Castlemaine at Triple M Park in Strathfieldsaye’s Tannery Lane.

Leaders in the goalkicking race for the Ron Best Medal:

49 - (4) - Joel Brett - Golden Square Seniors
44 - (0) - Lachlan Sharp - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
34 - (2) - Brock Harvey - South Bendigo Seniors
32 - (6) - Steven Stroobants - South Bendigo Seniors
30 - (4) - Lachlan Wright - Sandhurst Seniors
28 - (2) - William Keck - South Bendigo Seniors
25 - (2) - Cameron Manuel - Kyneton Seniors
20 - (0) - James Schischka - Strathfieldsaye Seniors
20 - (0) - Braydon Vaz - Golden Square Seniors
20 - (2) - Matt Thornton - Sandhurst Seniors
19 - (2) - Lewin Davis - Eaglehawk Seniors
17 - (1) - Ryan Hartley - Golden Square Seniors
17 - (1) - Andrew Collins - Sandhurst Seniors
16 - (0) - Darcy Richards - Eaglehawk Seniors
16 - (3) - Harry Whitty - Kangaroo Flat Seniors
15 - (1) - Nicholas Stagg - Sandhurst Seniors
15 - (1) - Cameron McGlashan - Eaglehawk Seniors
15 - (2) - Thomas Quinn - Kyneton Seniors

Grand finalists clash on Gisborne’s court

A REMATCH of last September’s grand finalists, Gisborne and Sandhurst highlights this Saturday’s 11^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Gisborne has home-court advantage at Gardiner Reserve as third takes on first from 2.30pm.

These clubs have had terrific battles for many seasons.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Bulldogs beat the Dragons by a goal in last year’s grand final.

When these teams met in round two of this season it was Gisborne which beat the maroon and blue by four goals at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

Victory in last Friday night’s match against Kangaroo Flat under the QEO lights has put the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst on top of the ladder.

The Dragons fired up for a 47-42 victory in a round where Gisborne had the bye.

Another important match will be at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where the Magpies take on South Bendigo.

The Magpies and the Bloods will be determined to end their winless run.

In round two it was the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine which won 41-27 on South Bendigo’s court at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

Castlemaine had a break last round as the A-grade team was drawn to play at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached Bloods started the season with a two-goal win on Strathfieldsaye’s court at Triple M Park.

It’s been a tough run since then.

South Bendigo will have gained plenty of confidence from last week’s showing against Strathfieldsaye.

Although beaten by three goals there was plenty to like about the play by the team in red and white.

Strathfieldsaye will be at home at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane to take on Golden Square.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm starts the round in fourth place.

Although it won the previous clash with Golden Square by 20 goals, Strathfieldsaye is likely to face a much stronger challenge from the Teigan Redwood-coached blue and gold this time.

It’s a rest for Kangaroo Flat in A-grade, but the Roos will host Maryborough in the lower grades at Dower Park.

Eaglehawk has the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 185 per cent, 28 points; Kangaroo Flat 180, 24; Gisborne 138, 24; Strathfieldsaye 92, 16; Eaglehawk 78, 16; Golden Square 61, 8; South Bendigo 65, 4; Castlemaine 64, 4.

IT’S second against third as Gisborne plays Castlemaine in Saturday’s 11^th round of A-grade netball action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

Gisborne has home-court advantage at Gardiner Reserve for a crucial match against the Magpies.

When these clubs met in round two it was the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which won 43-35 at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Both teams had emphatic victories in round 10 going into last weekend’s general bye.

Gisborne won at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park by 22 goals, and Castlemaine marked a 36-goal win at home against Maryborough in the all-Magpies showdown.

The Bulldogs go into this match on an 8-2 record, but wary of the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Magpies who have a win-loss tally of 7-2.

Castlemaine’s match at Kyneton in the sixth round was not played, so a draw was declared.

Separated by just two points this match could be a prelude to a qualifying final, but Kangaroo Flat will be doing all it can to climb into third place.

The Kangaroos could be there by Saturday afternoon, provided they beat South Bendigo and Castlemaine is beaten.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos make their way to Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval to take on South Bendigo.

Both teams are on the rebound from defeat.

Kangaroo Flat will be keen to bounce back from a 19-goal loss to Sandhurst, while South Bendigo’s three-goal loss at Eaglehawk has thrown the race to decide fifth place wide open.

In round two it was the Roos who beat the Bloods by 15 goals at Dower Park.

Past five games for the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo have been a draw, win, and three defeats.

Two of those losses were up against Gisborne and Castlemaine.

South Bendigo holds fifth place, but is under intense pressure from Kyneton and Strathfieldsaye.

After playing the Roos, South Bendigo then heads to Kyneton, is back home to play Golden Square, and then on the road to meet Sandhurst at the QEO, and then play at Strathfieldsaye.

The unbeaten Sandhurst is back at Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on Kyneton.

In pursuit of a fifth consecutive A-grade premiership, Sandhurst welcomes back key defender Imogen Sexton from overseas.

A talented line-up coached by Tamara Gilchrist includes Heather Oliver at goal defence, Bec Smith in attack, and Meg Williams in the centre.

The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers played well to be within 11 goals of Sandhurst at Kyneton Showgrounds in round two.

Latest hit-out for the yellow and black ended in a 69-20 win at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval.

Upcoming matches for Kyneton are against South Bendigo at home, then at Maryborough, home against Gisborne, and off to Castlemaine.

A win at Golden Square could put Strathfieldsaye on to the fifth rung, should South Bendigo be beaten.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Storm will start favourite to beat the blue and gold on the Wade Street court.

In round two, Storm won 78-29 against the Bulldogs at Triple M Park.

It’s a tough run ahead of Storm as it plays at Castlemaine in the 12^th round, Sandhurst at the QEO, at Eaglehawk, and then home to play South Bendigo.

Been a tough run for the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square which has put some fine quarters together, but also been on the end of some high-scoring surges.

Eaglehawk is chasing consecutive wins as it takes to Maryborough’s court at Princes Park.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks played superb netball to beat South Bendigo, 44-41, in the 10^th round at Canterbury Park.

The Two Blues will be determined to prove that result was no fluke, and also to take the points against a Maryborough team which won 60-43 at Eaglehawk in round two.

A Maryborough line-up coached by Jordan Macilwain is equally desperate to end a five-match losing streak.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 203 per cent, 40 points; Gisborne 183, 32; Castlemaine 132, 30; Kangaroo Flat 162, 28; South Bendigo 110, 18; Kyneton 103, 18; Strathfieldsaye 91, 18; Eaglehawk 69, 8; Maryborough 59, 8; Golden Square 36, 0.

Gisborne marks another win against Dragons

FOR the second time this season, Gisborne took the points against Sandhurst in the latest round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne was on its court at Gardiner Reserve for the round 11 showdown with the Dragons.

A strong opening quarter ended with Gisborne in front, 14-6.

Both teams scored nine goals in the second term.

It was another closely-fought third stanza which went Gisborne’s way, nine-eight.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst kept the pressure on, but the red, white and blue kept its poise to run out 42-31 winners.

Despite the loss, Sandhurst holds top spot going into next weekend’s break for inter-league.

A tally of 60-plus goals by Yolande Miller capped off South Bendigo’s dominance at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.

Winless since the opening round match at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park, South Bendigo was in superb touch on the Magpies’ court.

The Alicia McGlashan-coached South Bendigo led 17-5 at quarter-time and 34-12 by the main break.

The defence of the Chloe Hughes-coached Castlemaine was under immense pressure as a Bloods’ mid-court led by Holly Gray and Ella Flavell set up chances for Miller and Izzy Coutts.

South Bendigo won the next two quarters, 17-6 and 19-5 to complete a 70-23 victory.

After being outscored in the first quarter, Strathfieldsaye struck back to beat Golden Square at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Teigan Redwood-coached Golden Square played well to take an 11-10 lead into the first break.

From there it was the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye which took charge.

Storm won the second, 12-7, and the third, 14-6.

A low-scoring final term went the way of the blue and gold, 5-4, but it was Strathfieldsaye which led 40-29 at the siren.

Kangaroo Flat had a rest in A-grade, but the Roos played Maryborough in the lower grades at Dower Park.

Eaglehawk had the bye.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 170 per cent, 28 points; Gisborne 138, 28; Kangaroo Flat 180, 24; Strathfieldsaye 95, 20; Eaglehawk 78, 16; South Bendigo 78, 8; Golden Square 62, 8; Castlemaine 60, 4.

There will be no play on July 6 as the Bendigo FNL meets the Victorian Amateurs in the inter-league match at Elsternwick Park in Brighton.

Highlight of round 12 on July 13 will be Eaglehawk against Strathfieldsaye at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

South Bendigo takes on Kangaroo Flat at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.

Golden Square meets Castlemaine at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

It’s a rest for Gisborne in A-grade, but the Bulldogs will play Maryborough in the lower grades at Maryborough’s Princes Park.

Sandhurst has the bye.

Round 11 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 45 d Sandhurst 33, Castlemaine 40 lt South Bendigo 41, Strathfieldsaye 45 d Golden Square 13, Kangaroo Flat 37 lt Maryborough 39, Eaglehawk had the bye.

B-grade:

Gisborne 39 lt Sandhurst 46, Castlemaine 35 lt South Bendigo 40, Strathfieldsaye 44 d Golden Square 26, Kangaroo Flat 58 d Maryborough 15, Eaglehawk had the bye.

B-reserve:

Gisborne 31 lt Sandhurst 49, Castlemaine 17 lt South Bendigo 62, Strathfieldsaye 47 d Golden Square 20, Kangaroo Flat 68 d Maryborough 18, Eaglehawk had the bye.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 35 lt Sandhurst 53, Castlemaine 37 lt South Bendigo 39, Strathfieldsaye 30 lt Golden Square 46, Kangaroo Flat 28 lt Maryborough 43, Eaglehawk had the bye.

League ladders:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 201 per cent, 36 points; Strathfieldsaye 134, 32; Maryborough 109, 30; Sandhurst 123, 24; Kangaroo Flat 110, 22; South Bendigo 82, 16; Eaglehawk 70, 8; Castlemaine 69, 8; Golden Square 63, 0.

B-grade:

Gisborne 179 per cent, 32 points; Sandhurst 149, 32; Kangaroo Flat 145, 32; Strathfieldsaye 121, 28; South Bendigo 91, 18; Eaglehawk 85, 14; Castlemaine 77, 12; Golden Square 72, 0; Maryborough 44, 0.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 221 per cent, 40 points; Strathfieldsaye 136, 32; Gisborne 173, 28; South Bendigo 128, 24; Kangaroo Flat 120, 20; Eaglehawk 107, 16; Golden Square 65, 8; Castlemaine 55, 8; Maryborough 34, 0.

17-and-under:

Sandhurst 242 per cent, 40 points; Golden Square 169, 36; Maryborough 111, 32; Castlemaine 100, 16; Gisborne 98, 16; South Bendigo 89, 16; Strathfieldsaye 93, 12; Eaglehawk 45, 8; 37, 0; Kangaroo Flat 40, 0.

GISBORNE overcame a three-goal deficit at the start of the final term to clinch a one-goal victory against Castlemaine in Saturday’s 11^th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.

It was another classic contest between Gisborne and Castlemaine at Gisborne’s Gardiner Reserve.

Castlemaine made a great start to lead 10-8 at quarter-time and 21-17 by the main break.

Although the margin was cut by a goal in a low-scoring third term, the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine led 27-24 going into the final quarter.

In the last it was the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne which was able to score five goals in the difficult conditions as the Magpies added just one.

At the final whistle Gisborne led 29-28.

Kangaroo Flat was too strong for South Bendigo at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos marked the trek across to the Bloods’ home in Neale Street to win 61-41.

Defeat pushed the Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo from the top five.

Strathfieldsaye has climbed to the fifth rung following a 75-27 win on Golden Square’s court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street.

The Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye led 21-7 by quarter-time and 41-17 at the main.

Storm went on to win the next two quarters, 17-7 and 17-3 to record a 48-goal victory against the Benita Swatton-coached blue and gold.

Sandhurst’s unbeaten run kept rolling.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won every quarter on its way to a 92-38 result against Kyneton at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

A red-hot Dragons line-up led 22-11 at quarter-time and it was the same scoreline in the second.

Sandhurst won the third, 24-6, and the last, 24-10, to complete another emphatic victory against the Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Tigers.

Eaglehawk brought up its third win of the season.

The Kylie Piercy-coached Eaglehawk teamed superbly on Maryborough’s court at Princes Park to win 59-28.

Eaglehawk led 15-6 at quarter-time and 28-15 by the main break.

A great run by the Borough kept rolling as it won the third term, 16-6, and the last, 15-7, against the Jordan Macilwain coached-Maryborough.

Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:

Sandhurst 207 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 176, 36; Kangaroo Flat 161, 32; Castlemaine 129, 30; Strathfieldsaye 101, 22; South Bendigo 104, 18; Kyneton 92, 18; Eaglehawk 76, 12; Maryborough 58, 8; Golden Square 36, 0.

Round 11 scoreboard:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 37 d Castlemaine 29, South Bendigo 40 d Kangaroo Flat 36, Golden Square 20 lt Strathfieldsaye 57, Sandhurst 59 d Kyneton 26, Eaglehawk bye.

B-grade:

Gisborne 75 d Castlemaine 18, South Bendigo 36 lt Kangaroo Flat 44, Golden Square 34 d Strathfieldsaye 28, Sandhurst 70 d Kyneton 27, Maryborough 11 lt Eaglehawk 39.

B-reserve:

Gisborne 53 d Castlemaine 15, South Bendigo 42 lt Kangaroo Flat 53, Golden Square 34 lt Strathfieldsaye 40, Sandhurst 79 d Kyneton 9, Maryborough 19 lt Eaglehawk 62.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 41 d Castlemaine 23, South Bendigo 26 lt Kangaroo Flat 43, Golden Square 29 lt Strathfieldsaye 39, Sandhurst 85 d Kyneton 5, Maryborough 56 d Eaglehawk 19.

Ladders after 11 rounds:

A-reserve:

Gisborne 205 per cent, 44 points; Sandhurst 174, 40; South Bendigo 97, 28; Kangaroo Flat 117, 24; Castlemaine 94, 24; Strathfieldsaye 87, 24; Eaglehawk 76, 20; Kyneton 62, 10; Golden Square 59, 6.

B-grade:

Sandhurst 197 per cent, 44 points; Gisborne 180, 36; Kangaroo Flat 130, 36; South Bendigo 101, 24; Strathfieldsaye 95, 22; Eaglehawk 90, 22; Golden Square 94, 20; Kyneton 75, 8; Castlemaine 58, 6; Maryborough 48, 2.

B-reserve:

Sandhurst 232 per cent, 40 points; Kangaroo Flat 176, 40; Gisborne 147, 32; Strathfieldsaye 129, 28; Eaglehawk 122, 28; South Bendigo 106, 20; Castlemaine 62, 16; Golden Square 72, 12; Kyneton 39, 4; Maryborough 44, 0.

17-and-under:

Gisborne 187 per cent, 44 points; Sandhurst 201, 40; Golden Square 157, 32; Maryborough 122, 26; Strathfieldsaye 112, 26; Kangaroo Flat 110, 18; Castlemaine 100, 18; Eaglehawk 70, 12; South Bendigo 50, 4; Kyneton 18, 0.