By Tara Murray
Gisborne produced the highest score of the Bendigo Netball League A-grade season so far in a strong display against Maryborough on Saturday.
There was no rust for the Bulldogs coming off the interleague bye, as they put together a strong four quarter performance to beat the Magpies 78-33.
Bulldogs captain Maddy Stewart said they didn’t expect to come away with such a big win.
“We always have a good battle with them normally,” she said. “They are a really good side with a good attacking end.
“To keep them to 33 goals was a good job defensively and then to be able to put the goals on the board.
“We set targets each quarter and we were able to meet them.”
Stewart said the key to the performance was the connections within the side growing.
The Bulldogs have had a different line-up on the court each week, with unavailability and some players leaving the club.
Stewart said the way they had been able to adapt each week had been really pleasing.
“We’ve started to get the connections in the attacking end,” she said.
“It’s a credit to the club that we have the same structures throughout the club.
“We do a lot of training together, which gives us a seamless transition.”
As part of the changes, it has given some of the Bulldogs’ young talent the opportunity to step up in A-grade.
Stewart said the young players, which includes the likes of Emerson Lakey and Charlotte Crook, were doing an excellent job and continue to show the talent within the club.
The Bulldogs are undefeated despite all the early season challenges and sit second on the ladder.
Stewart said that the goal for the season hadn’t changed, even though the personnel had.
“We were all disappointed with last season and losing the grand final,” she said. “We have known from the start of the season we want to win it.”
Gisborne face third-placed Eaglehawk this week in another challenge for them. Kyneton remains in the top five despite a 53-42 loss to South Bendigo. The Tigers sit fifth with two wins.
