Kyneton erases fortnight of frustration with gutsy Bendigo League win over South Bendigo

Kyneton coach Luke Beattie praised his team’s ability to stand up under immense pressure and claim victory over South Bendigo to bounce back from a last-start 114-point loss.

Kyneton erased a fortnight of frustration in a thrilling five-point win over South Bendigo on Saturday.

The Tigers were left to dwell on a 114-point loss to Strathfieldsaye over the inter-league bye but showed tremendous character to secure a 14.13 (97) to 13.14 (92) win.

Kyneton led by 18 points at three-quarter time but with a strong breeze at its back South Bendigo charged home in the final quarter.

The Bloods snatched the lead with a rapid four-goal burst but the home team responded to the challenge and held on to square its Bendigo league season at 3-3.

Tigers coach Luke Beattie praised his players’ resilience under pressure.

Rhys Magin fires out a handball for Kyneton. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“There was a two-or-three-goal breeze so I knew it was going to be a close finish,” he said.

“They came out and went bang, bang, bang in eight minutes and had us significantly on the back foot.

“Particularly after they scored those three goals, there was every opportunity for us to put our heads down.

“They really fought back and that’s a credit to the leadership we have in the middle of the ground; Rhys Magin, Josh Govan and Hamish Govan in particular.”

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Returning from inter-league duties Magin and Josh Govan were prolific while Hamish Govan also impressed through midfield.

Beattie provided a strong target up forward and finished with six goals while Patrick McCarthy added three.

“Rhys has been amazing for us since coming to the football club, he’s a remarkable leader as well as a player,” Beattie said.

“With a bit of luck and getting them straight this week, it meant I was able to hit the scoreboard and help the boys get a win.

Kyneton coach Luke Beattie. Picture: Richard Serong

“One of those fun days (up forward) that I felt may have been a distant memory.”

The Tigers travel to Barkers Oval to face Maryborough this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Gisborne has kept the pressure on ladder-leaders Strathfieldsaye with a convincing 112-point win over Maryborough.

Pat McKenna booted six goals for the Bulldogs, while Jake Conolan, Jack Scanlon and Jaidyn Owen slotted three each.

Gisborne face Eaglehawk away on Saturday.

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