First up loss for Gisborne

Gisborne coach Guy Keane. Picture Shawn Smits.

Gisborne will be looking to rebound quickly in the Bendigo Netball League, after a loss in the opening round of finals.

The Bulldogs, who finished second and earnt a double chance, weren’t able to get over the line against Golden Square on Sunday in their qualifying final.

Bulldogs coach Guy Keane said  both sides having periods of dominance, making the most of when shooting at the scoring end.

Golden Square won the match 53-49. Scores were 24 apiece at half time.

“We didn’t start well in either the first and third quarters,” he said.

“It meant we were in the chasing position for most of the day.  We need to be more consistent going forward.

“We’ll have a good look at the areas we did well and the areas we need to work on. But the fact we finished second means we get a double chance.”

Keane said shooter Ella Bertacchini was a really strong target all day, while Tarryn Rymer’s work rate and feeding into the circle at wing attack was good all day.

The Bulldogs now face Kangaroo Flat in an elimination semi final.

Keane said they were looking forward to the challenge, with a preliminary final spot on the line.

“It’s one win each this season,” he said.

“I’ve thought that any of the top five sides could win the competition. We need to be at our best and put out a consistent performance.”