Gisborne walked away from its Bendigo Netball League semi final loss with Sandhurst knowing it can match it with the top side, but still has work to do.
While Sandhurst won the first spot in the grand final on Saturday, the Bulldogs showed they weren’t far off them in the 44-38 loss in the semi final.
Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said they showed plenty of good signs, but fell just short in the end.
“We lost by six goals having lost to them by 23 goals in the season,” she said. “That is the closest we have come to them.
“The girls played really well but unfortunately there were little lapses and Sandhurst put their foot down.”
Having lost to them so convincingly during the season, Rymer said they were happy that they had closed the gap.
She said it was disappointing that they couldn’t come away with the win though.
Sandhurst led by six goals at the first two breaks, with the margin back to just four at the final break.
“The opportunity was there,” she said. “It was a better performance than last time. In the third quarter we got it back to two goals [and the Bulldogs missed a shot to make it one].
“We didn’t make the most of the opportunities to win the ball off the centre pass after that.”
Rymer said goalshooter Tori Skrijel had a good game, as did their stars in Zoe Davies and Claudia Mawson.
The Bulldogs though have a second chance in the preliminary final and will face Castlemaine.
Rymer said continuing to play through the finals was a good thing for them as they continue to get better and keep the momentum going.
“We have the second chance,” she said. “That’s why you work hard during the season and win last week to get the second chance.”
It was a tough day on Saturday for the Bulldogs, with the under-17s and A-reserve sides both suffering losses.
Both will also play in the preliminary final.
The B-grade side won straight through to the grand final and will have the week off.
The B-reserve side played in a knockout semi final on Sunday and managed to get the win, meaning all five teams have made at least a preliminary final.
Tara Murray
