By Tara Murray
Kyneton has secured a double chance in the Bendigo Football League for the first time since 1999.
The Tigers just needed to win in the final round against Golden Square, to finish third and get the much wanted double chance.
Everything was on the line for the Tigers and Golden Square, which needed to win to make finals.
For three quarters, it was an even match. The Tigers led by nine points heading into the final quarter.
The Tigers kicked on in the last quarter, kicking seven goals to one, to win 15.14 (104)-7.18 (60).
Tigers coach Luke Beattie said they were really happy with the result and the top three finish.
“We aimed for it at the start of the season,” he said.
“It’s a positive milestone for the club. Hopefully we can have an impact on finals.
“To get to this position after our short recession five years ago is a great celebration for the club and community.”
Beattie said the match was like a final heading into the game and it turned out that way.
He said in the end Golden Square ran out of legs and they were able to capitalise.
“It was a tough game and they had a lot to play for,” he said.
“They’ve been a finals team for a extended period of time and we knew it would not be an easy game.
“They had quite a number of players returning from injury. Whether they could sustain the intensity for the whole period of time was always going to be a worry.
“It did come to fruition.”
Beattie said he was pleased how the side was able to play out the game the way they did.
Daniel Davie and Max O’Sullivan kicked four goals apiece for the Tigers.
Beattie said Jordan Mangan, Gareth Bowes and O’Sullivan were the standouts.
The Tigers face Eaglehawk in a qualifying final on Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Beattie said the two teams are very similar.
The win not only sealed the top three spot for the Kyneton, but a finals berth for their arch rival Gisborne.
The Bulldogs entered the final round needing to win and hope that Kyneton won to play finals.
The Bulldogs did their part of the job defeating South Bendigo 18.15 (123)-9.6 (60), with playing coach Clinton Young kicking five goals.
They had a nervous wait to find out the Kyneton and Golden Square result, before finding out they had sealed a finals berth.
Beattie said it wasn’t often that Gisborne would have been barracking for them.
“It’s not often that Kyneton helps out Gisborne,” he said.
“I’m extremely pleased for Gisborne. It’s another country club in finals and it hasn’t happened to often.
Gisborne faces Sandhurst in an elimination final on Sunday at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
