Every game is a final for Kyneton in the run home to the end of the season.
The Tigers entered Saturday’s Bendigo Football League match against local rival Gisborne as one of four teams fighting for the fifth and final spot in the finals’ mix.
The Tigers did no harm to their chances with a 14.12 (96) – 13.16 (94) win, diminishing the Bulldogs’ hopes in the process. Tigers football manager Rick Egan said the win was vital, in the scheme of things.
“It was critical that we won the game. Whoever lost, their season was over,” Egan said. “Every time we play Gisborne, it is like a final, but this was even bigger.
“We were fortunate to come out on top. It’s the first time in at least 12 years we’ve beaten them twice in the one season.”
Egan said the win was set up after quarter-time.
“The first quarter, the game was in the balance.
“In the second quarter, the game opened up for us and it looked like we were in control of the game.
“Full credit to Gisborne, they never gave up.”
Egan said the nerves came out on the sidelines when the Bulldogs got to within a point.
“We still felt we had control of the game,” he said. “One kick could have changed that. We controlled the stoppages and, at one stage, the scores were level.
“Credit to our boys, they ran out the gam
e – one of the first times we’ve ran out four quarters all year.”
Ben Weightman kicked six goals for the Tigers and Matthew Knox kicked five for the Bulldogs.
“Both made the most of their opportunities when they came to them,” Egan said.
The Tigers sit in sixth spot and are aware of the challenge ahead.
“We need to play with the same passion we played with on Saturday, and play for each other,” Egan said. “We have the skill and some really good players; we need to have the right attitude, and put it all together.
“Every game is like a final now. We can’t afford to lose games we are expected to win, and need to win games which we aren’t favourites.”
Egan said Ryan Carafa would miss the rest of the season after being injured two weeks ago. Carafa joins captain Michael Rainey on the sidelines for the rest of the year.
In A-grade netball, the Bulldogs gave the Tigers’ finals hopes a hit, winning 38-34 to sit third on the ladder, while the Tigers are in seventh place, two games outside the top five.
