By Tara Murray
Gisborne kept its finals hopes alive with a thrilling win against Golden Square on Saturday in the Bendigo Football League.
Both sides had everything on the line as they fight it out for the fifth and last finals spot.
It came down to the wire, with the Bulldogs in front when the siren sounded, 7.16 (58)-7.13 (55).
Bulldogs playing coach Clinton Young said it was a game they would have dropped at the start of the season.
He said that confidence had grown in the playing group and it showed on the scoreboard.
“It was tight all day,” he said. “We knew it was always going to be a tough game.
“The conditions turned it on [but] the boys were able to dig deep in the fourth quarter.
“We had a slight breeze but we weren’t able to capitalise on it.”
Young said it was a tense final 10 minutes with the ball spending a lot of time in their back half.
He praised the defensive group, which stood strong when needed.
“They’ve done a great job all year.
“There was a good feeling in the rooms afterwards.”
Young said ruckman Josh Grabham was their best, while Nick Doolan and Matt Goodyear were good in the middle.
The win moves the Bulldogs equal on points with Golden Square, which remains in fifth on per centage.
For the Bulldogs to make finals they have to beat South Bendigo and hope that Kyneton can win against Golden Square.
For Kyneton, a win will seal third spot and a double chance.
“All we can do is concentrate on South Bendigo. We have to focus on what we can do,” Young said.
It’s been a big week for the Bulldogs, with the club announcing on Saturday night that Young has been reappointed for next season.
In his first season as coach, Young said it was an easy decision to continue in the role.
“It’s exciting to be in the role again,” he said.
“I want to take this group further … we’ve come so far this year.
“We’re on the right path and want to become one of the strongest clubs in the competition.”
In other results, Kyneton defeated Castlemaine 14.22 (106)-7.6 (48).
The Tigers sit third, two points clear of fourth-placed Sandhurst.
In the A-grade netball, Gisborne defeated Golden Square 34-29.
