Bendigo Football League 2018: Gisborne defeats Golden Square by three points in thriller
GISBORNE will enter the last round of the Bendigo Football League regular season with its finals chances still alive after a heart-stopping three-point win.
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GISBORNE will enter the last round of the Bendigo Football League regular season with its finals chances still alive after a heart-stopping three-point win on Saturday.
The Dogs endured a torturous final 10 minutes as Golden Square sent the ball into attack time and again, only for the visitors to hold on for a gallant 7.16 (58) to 7.13 (55) victory.
The win means the Dogs have drawn level on points with the Bulldogs in fifth spot but are behind on percentage, meaning they have to beat South Bendigo in Round 18 and hope Kyneton takes care of Golden Square.
“We knew going into the game it was going to be a tight battle,” Gisborne coach Clinton Young said.
“It was a tight contest throughout and we managed to hold on. Our boys really dug deep, especially the defenders under the pump there in the closing stages.”
After leading by 13 points at the main break, Golden Square roared back with four goals to one to take the lead at the final change.
But Gisborne did enough to hold on and secure the vital four points.
“We have had a couple of big home wins this year against Golden Square and Eaglehawk, but (Saturday) was our first big away win, so it does give us confidence that we can beat teams away from home,” Young said.
“We knew the equation a few weeks ago — if we were a chance of playing finals football, we had to win very game.
“We’ve done that so far.
“We will just concentrate on our game and if it pans out that Kyneton defeats Golden Square, then we’re in.”
Josh Grabham again impressed the coach in the ruck, but the Dogs’ defence was also vital to the result.
It comes as the club confirmed Young will continue as coach for 2019.
“I am happy to continue coaching,” he said.
“We know where we’re heading and we are on the right path, so I am really happy to be a part of it and coaching for next year.
“This year has been a good year and it’s not over yet, but hopefully we can continue as far as we can.”
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