Reigning premiers Gisborne restricted unbeaten Sandhurst to just nine goals on Saturday, but still failed to secure their first win at Gardiner Reserve this season.
The wayward Bulldogs had plenty of the ball, but failed to convert enough.
A scrappy first half saw Gisborne creating opportunities, but points instead of goals materialised.
It doesn’t help Gisborne to have ace goalkicker Pat McKenna sidelined through a broken ankle sustained in the match against Golden Square.
But the light at the end of the tunnel may be Tim Walsh. He kicked seven goals out of 10 in the Reserves, and converted himself from a top defender to a key forward during a stint at Riddell.
Injury free, Walsh can be a formidable opponent.
Gisborne simply could not get into a position to overhaul Sandhurst, though plenty of players put in and made the Dragons work hard for the four points.
The final score was 9.9 (63) to 5.16 (46).
Goalkickers for the Bulldogs were Liam Spear 2, Harry Thomas, Adam Brancatisano and Jarrod Ainsworth.
This Saturday, Gisborne travel north to tackle fourth-placed South Bendigo.
Virtually a do or die encounter as far as final five hopes are concerned.
In the Reserves, Gisborne mived into the top five with a 9.6 (60) to 5.5 (35) victory.
Walsh’s seven goals made all the difference!
Gisborne Under 18s are cruising along in second place on the ladder.
To defeat third-placed Sandhurst 13.7 to 3.1 was a tremendous confidence booster.
