Bendigo: Gisborne downs previously undefeated Sandhurst

Gisborne and Sandhurst have produced the best match of the 2024 Bendigo league season. See all the pictures from the thriller.

Gisborne has steadied late to inflict Sandhurst’s first defeat in the Bendigo league this season.

In a match befitting the top-two teams on the ladder, Gisborne had restricted the previously unbeaten Dragons to only three goals in the first three quarters to open a 27-point lead at the final change last Saturday.

But Sandhurst came charging back at the home team with six goals to three in the last quarter to briefly hit the front.

Sandhurst’s Connor Sexton comes over the top to spoil two Gisborne opponents. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Sandhurst star forward Fergus Greene finished with four goals, but Gisborne goalkicker Pat McKenna’s contribution was equally telling.

His fifth goal of the match gave Gisborne back the lead before it was able to hang on for a six-point win.

The clash pitted two of the best on-ballers in the Bendigo league against each other, Gisborne’s Brad Bernacki and Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew.

Sandhurst’s Fergus Greene flies for a mark.

Both featured in their team’s best players.

The Bendigo league will have a bye this weekend for its interleague fixture against the Victorian Amateurs at Elsternwick Park.

Sandhurst remains on top of the ladder courtesy of a better percentage than Gisborne.

Sandhurst has the week off when the league resumes after the interleague match and Gisborne plays bottom-placed Maryborough.

Gisborne beat Sandhurst by six points in a mid-season thriller at Gisborne.

Castlemaine is making a charge at fifth spot after thrashing South Bendigo last round.

It can join fifth-placed Golden Square on five wins when the two teams meet on Juky 13.

Sandhurst co-coach Bryce Curnow.

Gisborne coach Robert Waters.

Emotions run high in the Gisborne-Sandhurst match.

Gisborne’s Pat McKenna spoils Sandhurst’s Isaac Ruff.

Gisborne’s Jack Scanlon lays a tackle on Sandhurst’s Lachlan Wright.

Gisborne’s Zac Denahy soars over the top of a pack of players.

Gisborne duo Jack Scanlon and Zac Denahy are best placed to take the ball.

Gisborne’s Jack Scanlon wraps Sandhurst’s Lachlan Wright up in a tackle.

Gisborne’s Patrick Trotta arrives to tackle Sandhurst’s Darcy Mills.

Gisborne’s Jack Scanlon leaps for a mark in front of Sandhurst’s Liam Ireland.

Gisborne’s Flynn Lakey is pinned in a tackled from Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew.

Gisborne star Brad Bernacki fends off a Sandhurst opponent.

Gisborne’s Patrick Trotta fists the ball away from Sandhurst’s Brodie Montague.

Gisborne’s Zachary Vescovi is caught high by Sandhurst opponent Fergus Greene.

Gisborne’s Jarrod Ainsworth is tackled high by Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew.

Sandhurst’s Lachlan Wright splits the pack.

Sandhurst’s Cobi Maxted and Caleb Connick are sandwiched between two Gisborne opponents.

Gisborne pair Jack Scanlon and Brodie Montague battle for the ball.

Gisborne’s Jack Scanlon hangs onto a mark in tough conditions and pressure from Sandhurst’s Zach Pallpratt.

Gisborne’s Jack Scanlon jumps for a tap out.