Gisborne had to survive a Kangaroo Flat comeback on its way to an elimination final win in the Bendigo Netball League on Sunday.
After leading from the first quarter, the Bulldogs just held on in the end to win 38-37.
The teams also met in the final home-and-away round on the previous weekend so Bulldogs coach Simone Trevillian knew exactly what to expect from Kangaroo Flat.
The Bulldogs won that game 54-30.
“We were definitely prepared,” Trevillian said.
“We had to be switched on to play hard, physical netball.”
The Bulldogs started the better of the teams and led by five goals at the end of each of the first three quarters.
“We were hoping it was enough,” Trevillian said.
“They kept pushing and pushing and pushing, but we were able to hold on.”
Trevillian put the win down to a couple of things.
“Fitness is something we’ve been working on all year,” she said.
“Despite them coming back at us, we stayed composed and played safe netball, which you need to do in those circumstances.
“We have players who have been in grand finals and most of the girls have played in finals, but it was nerve-racking watching from the sidelines.”
It was the Bulldogs’ senior players who stood up when it counted.
“Maddi Stewart held her own in the circle when she was copping a lot. It was really physical,” Trevillian said.
“Tiana Newman through the mid-court and Polly Salter in defence were really strong, too.”
The Bulldogs now face Sandhurst in the semi-finals.
“We drew with them earlier in the year and lost by three goals the second time we played them,” Trevillian said.
“If we play good, competitive netball we will be a chance.”
The Bulldogs’ under-17 netball side also won its elimination final, beating Strathfieldsaye 51-38.
In football, the reserves were smashed in the elimination final against Eaglehawk.
The under-18s will play in a semi-final after beating Eaglehawk by three points in the elimination final.
