Gisborne showed plenty of resolve to sneak home against Eaglehawk in the Bendigo Football League on Saturday.
After a five point win against Strathfieldsaye the previous week, the Bulldogs were again made to fight hard, this time against the Hawks.
With composure late in the final quarter, the Bulldogs were able to come away with a 13.6 (84)-12.10 (2) win.
Bulldogs skipper Jack Reaper said they were relieved to get the win.
“It was really nice to head up there and face Eaglehawk on their home ground,” he said.
“We were able to manage the minutes and produced the result in the end.”
Reaper said it was a back and forth game with both sides having their time to shine in the sun.
He said it was a really competitive game with the Hawks having some big bodies.
The Bulldogs kicked the first couple of goals in the last quarter to open up a bit of a lead, before the two sides went goal for goal later in the quarter.
Reaper said early in the season they’ve had to play hard final quarter football, which will be important later in the season.
“We had our chance against South Bendigo and were five goals down and had to chase them,” he said.
“This time they were the ones chasing and we were able to put guys behind the ball. That’s two games we have won under two goals.
“It’s good to get the result and move to 3-1.”
Matthew Merrett, Pat McKenna and Shane Clough were named the Bulldogs best.
McKenna and Clough both returned to the side, from injury and Victorian Football League respectively.
Reaper said the pair make a huge difference to the squad. He said it was pleasing to see Jacob Floreani come into the side on the wing and play a good role after starting the season in the reserves.
The Bulldogs face Castlemaine this Saturday before a break the following week.
Reaper said they were hoping to enter the week off with a 4-1 record, happy with where it was sitting so far.
“We know that Eaglehawk and South Bendigo are better teams than last season,” he said.
“We have two tough games to come and we have a few players go away in the middle of the year.
“We face Castlemaine at home. It would be nice to beat them and have a good win at home and be 4-1 at the bye.”
In netball, Gisborne beat Eaglehawk, 48-32.
