By Tara Murray
It was a disappointing result for Gisborne as it was bundled out of the Bendigo Netball League finals in straight sets.
Looking to bounce back after a poor second half last week, it was heartbreak for the Bulldogs, who went down by one goal, 47-46.
Bulldogs captain Maddy Stewart said it was an up and down game in wet conditions.
Hail and an injury to an opposition player halted play for five to 10 minutes in the last quarter
“We were down by seven at quarter-time as they started well,” Stewart said.
“We got back into it in the second quarter and were up by two goals at half-time.
“It was equal in the third quarter and then we lost by a goal.”
Stewart said while it wasn’t their best performance, it was better than the week before.
She said midcourter Tiana Newman was the best in the loss, but there weren’t any standouts.
Stewart said she was proud with how the side had come through a difficult season which had a number of injuries, but was disappointed not to go further into the season.
She said their form at the back of the season was not where they wanted it to be.
“We looked at the double chance as an achievement for the season,” she said.
“We looked at it last week and were really happy to have it. We didn’t capitalise on it today.”
It was a mixed weekend for the Bulldogs, with their under-17s and A-reserve still alive in finals, while their B-reserve was knocked out.
Stewart said they would get around the other two teams next week.
Gisborne senior footballers are through to the preliminary final after beating Golden Square, 16.10 (106)-5.13 (43).
The Bulldogs will face Eaglehawk in a preliminary final.
The Bulldogs reserves and under-18s were both knocked out.
