Gisborne kept its foot on the pedal to storm away for a second straight win to start the Bendigo Netball League season.
It was a dominant display from the Bulldogs, who built on every quarter on the way to a 76-30 win against Strathfieldsaye.
And Bulldogs coach Kim Bailey was impressed.
Bailey said they had stepped it up a level on their round one performance, which was played in wet and windy conditions.
“We need to go full throttle for the whole game,” she said.
“It’s about instilling in them you have to play strongly for 60 minutes, you don’t win playing for 58 minutes.
“We started slowly, despite shooting 15 goals. We built from there and finished off strongly. Teams normally drop off.”
Bailey said Ella Bertacchini starred in goals after a poor start.
“She ripped the game open,” she said. “Her movement is so slick and fast.
“Rachel McKenzie supports her well.
“Everyone put in really well and it was one of those team efforts.”
Bailey said while the playing group had been together last season, they were still adjusting to a few changes and different combinations.
“The defensive structure is different,” she said. “Melinda Luke didn’t have a lot of court time last year,” she said.
“She’s now playing goalkeeper. She’s involved in VNL [Victorian Netball League].
“It’s a strong combination with Maddy Stewart and Keara Fitzgerald and there’s plenty of defensive pressure down the court.”
Bailey, who is coaching the Bulldogs for the first time this year, said she was enjoying the new challenge.
Bailey is also coaching the ACU division 1 side in the Victorian Netball League.
“It’s really exciting,” she said.
“I don’t know what to expect and I go into every game with a little bit of an unknown.
“We have some good players and it’s just about how we gel.
“We’re very capable and want to do the work and the girls play for passion and pride.”
The Bulldogs this week face Eaglehawk.
The Bulldogs senior footballers didn’t have the same result, falling short against Strathfieldsaye.
The Storm kicked 13 goals to six after quarter time, to win 15.13 (103)-8.4 (52).
Kyneton got its first win of the season, defeating Kangaroo Flat.
It was all the Tigers, who won 27.12 (174)-13.10 (88).
Ethan Foreman kicked eight goals for the Tigers.
Dominant Bulldogs go from strength to strength
