Gisborne will take a lot of positives out of its loss to Golden Square in the Bendigo Netball League on Saturday.
While the Bulldogs entered the game ranked higher on the ladder, they were wary of what last year’s runners-up could do.
Golden Square pulled out the big guns, with a number of handy inclusions headlined by shooter Gabrielle Richards.
The Bulldogs pushed Golden Square all the way, but fell short 46-43.
Bulldogs’ coach Kim Bailey said they had their chances to get the win.
“They had their best team in and we had a really strong team also,” she said.
“They jumped us in the first quarter and we couldn’t peg it back.
“We didn’t capitalise on turnovers. If we had converted on turnovers, it could have been a different story.
“They’re a team that has played in grand finals, so it’s a good sign to push them to within three goals.”
The Bulldogs brought in shooter Clare Vearing for her first game with the club.
Bailey said it would take time for Vearing to settle into the side. She has only played with Ella Bertacchini before.
Vearing played three quarters on Saturday.
“Clare and Ella have been playing together at Boroondara Express [in Victorian Netball League championship division].
“We need to get used to her playing with us.
“With Rach [Rachel McKenzie] it’s good to have three good goalers that we can switch around.
“The two tall goalers together matched up well [on Saturday].”
Defensively, Bailey thought they did a really good job in trying to restrict Golden Square, especially Richards.
Bailey said Maddy Stewart played her best game of the season in trying to shut down Richards.
“She got a few deflections and our defensive pressure was really good.”
She teamed up with Janelle Birch who filled in, with Melinda Luke missing the game.
Birch, who plays under Bailey in the Victorian Netball League, played a strong game.
The Bulldogs sit third with a 3-3 record.
Bailey said she was happy with where they were sitting.
“We played two pretty poor games against Sandhurst and Eaglehawk and we needed to bounce back from that.
“Having a more settled line-up will help in the second half of the season.
“We’re happy to sit third. All you have to do is make finals.”
The Bulldogs this week face South Bendigo, but will have a few players out. Bailey said they had depth coming through the sides, especially the under-17s, to hopefully cover those losses.
