Bendigo, Wimmera, East Gippsland: Golden Square inflicts first defeat on Sandhurst

Golden Square has overcome a sluggish start to record its best win of the Bendigo league season. See who made it happen.

Golden Square stormed back from 24 points down at quarter time to roll ladder leaders Sandhurst by the same margin on Saturday in an ominous late season performance in the Bendigo league.

Sandhurst dominated early, kicking six goals to two in the first term, before Square clicked into gear in the second quarter to trail by four points at halftime.

It led by only a point at the last change, but overpowered the Dragons in the final term.

The league’s joint leading goal-kicker Joel Brett booted six goals, including three in a stunning third term burst, to take his season tally to 55.

Veteran ruckman Matthew Compston was best on ground and another loyal servant, defender Jon Coe, also in the best.

Thomas Toma, who returned to the club this season from Kerang, also starred in the win that has left Square only two points behind Sandhurst, which had not lost a match this season.

Golden Square coach Christian Carter. Picture: David Johnston

Golden Square, coached by Christian Carter, has won its last seven matches since losing to South Bendigo by only one point in round 4.

Sandhurst was given a boost heading into the match with confirmation star onballer Sam Conforti would be available for the rest of the season after playing 12 matches with Essendon’s VFL team this year.

Brad Bernacki starred in his return to Gisborne on Saturday. Picture: Aaron Cook (must credit)

Conforti booted four goals with Dragons’ co-coach Bryce Curnnow also in the best.

Brad Bernacki, who has also played 12 matches with Essendon’s VFL team, was best on ground for Gisborne in its upset 42-point win against Eaglehawk.

Bernacki also kicked four goals and will play out the rest of the season for Gisborne which is 10 points behind fifth-placed Eaglehawk with six rounds remaining.

EAST GIPPSLAND

Orbost-Snowy Rovers claimed a major scalp in their late season charge towards finals with a comfortable 39-point win over reigning premier Stratford on Saturday.

After winning only four matches last season, Orbost-Snowy Rovers are eyeing off fourth spot presently occupied by Lucknow.

Orbost-Snowy Rovers stunned Stratford with eight goals to one in the first term.

Young forward Hamish Nettleton booted three of his seven for the match in the early blitz and Jamieson Humphreys was best-on-ground.

Orbost-Snowy Rovers meet Lucknow in two weeks, but their ladder positions could flip next week.

Orbost-Snowy Rovers, which haven’t won a senior premiership since merging in 2003, play out of contention Paynesville and Lucknow meets Stratford on the rebound.

But the meged entity will celebrate reunions for senior and reserves premierships won by Orbost (seniors 1972, reserves 1993) and Snowy Rovers (seniors 1973, 1982-83, reserves 1982) on August 5.

Weekly Times Living Legend of country football Garry Voss coached the Snowy Rovers 1973 premiership after being a five-time premiership coach of Orbost.

WIMMERA

Stawell remained in the hunt for a finals berth with a 33-point win over fourth-placed Dimboola on Saturday

The Warriors repeated their early season win over Dimboola by kicking nine goals to six after quarter time with Sean Mantell, Tom Walker and Jarrod Stafford doing the bulk of the damage for the victors.

They have drawn to within four points of fifth-placed Minyip-Murtoa which had the bye this round.

Minyip-Murtoa easily beat Stawell the last time the two teams met.

Next week Stawell plays ladder leaders Ararat and Minyip-Murtoa meets second-placed Horsham Saints.

Saints forward Mitch Martin kicked 10 goals to take the lead by one in the league goalkicking race.

His biggest bag of the season against third-placed Southern Mallee Giants took him to 39, one ahead of teammate Jarrod Garth, who booted only one.