By Tara Murray
Kyneton has exited the finals in straight sets on the back of consecutive 100-point losses in the Bendigo Football League.
The Tigers hoped the double chance they secured for the first time since 1999 would lead to some finals wins.
But after a disappointing first-up final against Eaglehawk the previous week, the Tigers didn’t do any better on Sunday against Sandhurst.
The Tigers went goalless in the first quarter and trailed by 37 points at the first break.
While they managed to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter, the margin increased to 45 points.
Things went from bad to worse for the Tigers from there. The margin was out to 73 points at the last break, before a six goal-to-two final quarter put the gap beyond 100 points, the Dragons winning 24.9 (153)-6.13 (49).
Fintan Brazil was the only target up forward for Kyneton, kicking four of the Tigers’ six goals.
Experienced midfielders Rhys Magin and Josh Govan were named the Tigers’ best, but they had little support.
The loss was compounded with injuries to Max O’Sullivan and Dan Davie.
The result puts Kyneton into the record books for the wrong reason – it’s the first team to lose two straight Bendigo Football League finals by 100 points.
In the preliminary final, Sandhurst will play Strathfieldsaye, which was upset by Eaglehawk 16.9 (105)-9.11 (65).
Kyneton’s A-reserve netball team remains alive after defeating Gisborne by one goal in a semi-final on Sunday. The Tigers will play Sandhurst for a spot in the grand final against Kangaroo Flat.
