Tara Murray
There was plenty of heat as arch rivals Gisborne and Kyneton went head-to-head in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday.
With the Bulldogs sitting on top and the Tigers coming into the match on the back of six straight wins, this was one of the most anticipated matches between the sides in years.
It was the Bulldogs that set the tone early with seven first quarter goals. Both sides piled on the goals in the second quarter as the Bulldogs maintained the lead.
The second half was a lot tighter with not as much scoring, with the damage already done, the Bulldogs won 18.11 (119)-9.6 (60).
Bulldogs coach Rob Waters said they were keen to make a statement, after losing their first match of the season the previous round.
“It was a good win against a good team,” he said. “We had a strong first quarter which was pleasing to have after a poor performance to run away with it.
“We spoke to the boys at the break and said the challenge would come hard and we would have to withstand that phase.
“Slow them down and keep control of the year. We had a few younger players in and it was exceptional for a young side.”
The match was fiery at times, with tempers flaring in the middle two quarters. Waters said they’re arch rivals for a reason and there was a lot on the line.
“All the boys pulled up fine,” he said. “A couple of boys got knocks and blood noses and we told them to wear them with pride.”
Josh Kemp kicked six goals for the Bulldogs, while Luke Ellings chipped in with three goals. Macklan Lord, Ellings and Flynn Lakey were named their best.
For the Tigers, Angus Nolte and Ryan Pretty kicked two goals each. Frazer Driscoll and Guy Dickson were named their best.
The win cements the Bulldogs spot on top of the ladder, a game clear of Strathfieldsaye. The Tigers sit in fourth spot.
Waters said the pleasing thing for the side was to get the win despite missing several key players.
Jaidyn Owen, Pat McKenna and Braidon Blake were all outs from the previous round.
“It’s pleasing to see the development,” Waters said. “For the club to lose some quality players and those guys to come in and play a role for us was really pleasing.”
The Bulldogs this week have a bye, before facing Castlemaine the week after.
Water said the bye came at a perfect time.
“Our second bye of the year and we get a bit of a break and reset for the second half of the year.
“We will get a few back, but some of those guys who came in put in some really good performances and it will mean some hard decisions.”
The Tigers this week face Strathfieldsaye.
