A desperate Kyneton victory by two points at Gisborne on Saturday brings various ramifications for the Bendigo League’s football season.
When the final siren blew it was a mixture of emotions both on and off the field; agony for the reigning premiers who want Gardiner Reserve to be a fortress, and jubilation as Kyneton stays alive with two successive victories and a match to follow against arch rivals Castlemaine on May 27.
The Tigers’ spirit was well and truly back with the scoreboard showing a 12.3 (75) to 10.13 (73) result; the Bulldogs were in line for an afternoon’s clean sweep of netball and football victories until the main footy match provided a different outcome to what many anticipated.
It’s a bye across the BFNL this Saturday and both Gisborne and Kyneton players may well appreciate the break.
A tremendous start by the Tigers established an early lead on Saturday, and it was never relented though the Bulldogs rallied strongly in the very tense last quarter to whittle down the margin.
A big plus for Gisborne was the return of champion forward Paddy McKenna. He kicked five of his side’s 10 goals despite plenty of attention from the Tiger defenders.
McKenna in the Gisborne side provides much more attacking power against the stronger sides.
The elusive Cam Manuel was at his brilliant best for the winners.
There was plenty of anticipation at three-quarter-time in both camps, and the Tigers defended grimly as the time clock ticked down, and supporters agonised on the outcome.
Manuel finished with four goals, and Jake Summers turned in one of his best games, with strong defender Harry Huntley proving his worth.
Of the younger brigade, local lads Dom Bonnington and Brody Muir impressed again, and Mason Crozier and Angus Strawhorn were also valuable.
Gisborne will be left ruing some missed opportunities, and May 27 sees a trip north to Golden Square.
In the Reserves match, the Bulldogs seized control early keen to make amends for two very narrow defeats.
An excellent low-scoring game unfolded, but the home side made sure Kyneton did not get a flood of goals.
Coach Ryan Pretty continued his good form for the Kyneton, with Bayden Ganim, Francis Randall, Brody Thrum, Jack Pilbeam, and Darcy Harris also in good form.
Final score was 8.9 (57) to 5.7 (37).
The Gisborne Under 18s are premiership favourites, out to repeat their 2022 success.
Their polished ball movement paid dividends, and Tigers’ coach Ethan Foreman will have his side primed for three critical games after the bye.
Better players for Kyneton were William Armstrong, Dempsey Roberts, Cody Young, Josh Gray, Cormac Sutton and Lachlan Thompson.
A dominant Gisborne won 24.13 (157) to 2.1 (13).