Gisborne played a confident four quarters of netball to win through to the Bendigo Netball League preliminary final.
The third best side in the competition this season, the Bulldogs had to overcome South Bendigo to get a shot at another grand final and keep their title defence alive.
South Bendigo had some confidence heading into the game having beaten the Bulldogs last time round.
It was the Bulldogs though that got the win on Sunday, 68-42.
Bulldogs coach Tarryn Rymer said they were happy with that result.
“It was pretty good and a chance to play four confident quarters of netball,” she said. “We dropped off a little in the third quarter but we bounced back which was good.
“It was really nice to put the last game between the sides behind us. It added another level of pressure.”
Rymer said South Bendigo was such a dangerous side with Gabe Richards in the shooting circle.
She said their defenders did a good job of shutting her down.
It was a mixed day for the Bulldogs with their A-reserve side being knocked out.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs B-reserve won straight through to the grand final, while B-grade will play in a preliminary final after losing.
The Bulldogs A-grade side has a big test this week if they’re any chance to make it three straight premierships.
The Bulldogs face Sandhurst, which lost to Kangaroo Flat, 52-49, in the other semi final.
Rymer said they need to make sure they put some scoreboard pressure on the Dragons.
“It was funny watching it on Saturday afternoon and people were asking who we would rather play?” Rymer said. “We have to beat both of them if we’re to win it.
“It will be the fourth time we’ve played them.
“We keep saying we can beat them, but we haven’t been able to.
“We will make sure we do our groundwork to beat them.”
Tara Murray
