Gisborne’s Bendigo Netball League season came to an end with its eight-goal loss to Golden Square on Sunday.
Playing for a preliminary finals spot, it was an up-and-down first half, with the Bulldogs leading by three goals at quarter-time, before Golden Square went up by the same margin at half-time.
Golden Square increased that lead in the third quarter, sealing victory after a strong last quarter to win 57-49.
Bulldogs’ netball operations manager Noelene Rymer said it was just one of those days, they were beaten by a better team.
“They had a really strong attack end, with Gab Richards [former Australian basketballer] a key target,” she said.
“The girls worked hard and tried, but Golden Square were just too good in the end.”
Rymer said, while the result was disappointing, to make the finals was a good achievement after even this was in doubt at one stage.
“It has been a good season, and we were one of four teams playing for two finals spots. We’ve come from fifth and won one final.”
The Bulldogs’ under-17 team is through to the grand final after a semi-final win against Strathfieldsaye on Sunday.
The Bulldogs, who haven’t lost a match this year, but has had two byes, won 41-39.
The Bulldogs were up by as many as 10 goals in the match, but went to sleep in the second half as the Storm came at them.
They will play either the Storm or Kangaroo Flat in the grand final in two weeks time at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Meanwhile, the league announced some of the competition’s best and fairest winners on Friday night.
Gisborne’s Melinda Luke tied with Kangaroo Flat’s Danielle Markwell in the Sing Medal, the under-17 netball best and fairest award. Both finished on 25 votes. Luke’s Gisborne teammate Holly Doricic finished fourth.
Luke, who was runner-up for the award last year, showed her versatility at the weekend, moving from defence to attack, despite a sore foot, in the side’s final match of the season.
Kyneton’s Jess Mangan won the B-grade best and fairest award, her 25 votes four clear of Eaglehawk’s Rani Madden and Strathfieldsaye’s Taylah Morris. Tigers’ Max Sullivan was named the football rising star.
Other awards, including the Michelsen and Betty Thompson medals will be announced on Sunday. Gisborne star Madeline Stewart is among those invited to the count.
