Kyneton moves to within one win of breakthrough Bendigo Football League finals appearance after overrunning Castlemaine
KYNETON is one win away from its first Bendigo Football League finals appearance in 12 years after a 41-point victory over Castlemaine on Saturday.
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KYNETON is one win away from its first Bendigo Football League finals appearance in 12 years after a 41-point victory over Castlemaine on Saturday.
The Tigers kicked away in the fourth term at Kyneton Showgrounds, rubberstamping a 19.12 (126) to 12.13 (85) win with six final-quarter goals.
The result gave Kyneton an eight-point buffer over the Magpies, Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat with two rounds remaining.
“I think our expectation (was) to win the last three games,” Kyneton coach Luke Beattie said.
“If we’re unable to do that, what sort of impact would we be able to have in finals?
“It’s important for us to be able to win the last three.”
The Magpies provided a stern test for Beattie’s side, drawing to within 10 points at three-quarter-time after the Tigers gained the ascendancy in the opening half.
“I believed if we stuck to the game plan that the game would open up,” Beattie said.
“I probably hoped it would open up a little earlier than it did.
“But with our skills and fast-moving players I felt that we would eventually find space.”
Ben Weightman delivered when the Tigers needed him most, slotting six goals, while Daniel Davie, Jake Hyland and Rhys Magin impressed.
Beattie said Weightman’s dominance was what the club had come to expect from its reigning best and fairest.
“Ben has been good for us over the last two years,” he said.
“(Saturday) was nothing short of what we expect from him.”
Beattie, who took over as interim coach after the sacking of Mark Adamson, said he was enjoying the challenge of leading Kyneton’s finals push.
The Tigers could welcome back Harrison Huntley and James Meiklejohn for their clash with Kangaroo Flat this weekend.
“They beat us in the first round (and) we’re certainly going out there with the desire to redeem that effort,” Beattie said.
“Their pressure was fantastic ... they ended up getting away with the win.
“We’re certainly going out there knowing they’re a very competitive team.”
Should the Tigers slip up on Saturday, their fate will be decided in a final-round match against winless Maryborough.
Gisborne returns from a bye against Strathfieldsaye this weekend.