Defence shines as Gisborne rebounds in big win

GISBORNE put on a defensive masterclass to outpoint Golden Square in the sole BFNL A-grade netball clash played last Saturday.

The reigning premiers rebounded brilliantly from a five-goal loss to top three rival Sandhurst, to easily defeat Golden Square 67-19 at Wade Street.

With fourth-placed South Bendigo’s two remaining home and away matches both against undefeated Kangaroo Flat, including this weekend, Gisborne’s win over the Square should be enough for the Bulldogs to clinch the double chance

They can officially seal their top three spot with a win over sixth-placed Strathfieldsaye in their next match on August 16.

The Bulldogs complete their home and away commitments with a showdown against Sandhurst on August 23, the teams’ third match of the season.

Dual premiership coach Tarryn Rymer lauded a dogged defensive performance by the reigning premiers, who set up their win with a ruthless 20-6 opening quarter.

“Kirby (Elliott), Charlee (Kemp) and Zoe (Davies) were pretty relentless in defence,” she said.

“Defensively we won a lot of the ball and every player on court got at least one intercept.

“There was also some really great tactical play in our attack end.

“Torie (Skrijel) had a beautiful game out at goal attack. I thought we really moved the ball well in our attack end.

“But across the court, everyone lifted their defensive efforts.”

After holding Golden Square to only 11 first-half goals, Gisborne further tightened the screws in the second half, holding the home side to just four goals apiece in the third and fourth quarters.

Despite a compelling performance, Rymer insisted her side was still short of its peak.

“We have to keep working on being disciplined and treasuring the ball under pressure and at times not under pressure, while still being able to convert off our intercepts,” she said.

“We’re still working on our structures. The midcourt we still need to tighten up a bit more. But everything else looked pretty good.”

A loss for Golden Square leaves coach Teigan Redwood’s team with just two more chances to add to their lone win so far this season.

The Square will play Sandhurst on August 16 before their season ends against Strathfieldsaye at Tannery Lane.

Neighbours on the ladder, the sixth-placed Storm have beaten the seventh-placed Square in both previous meetings this season, by five and nine goals.

In matches to complete a split round 14, Kangaroo Flat hosts South Bendigo at Dower Park, and Sandhurst and Eaglehawk clash at the QEO.

The Roos won their round seven match against the Bloods 83-19, albeit without some key personnel missing for South Bendigo, while the Dragons defeated the Hawks 50-33.

The top five is set with Eaglehawk having clinched fifth spot behind Kangaroo Flat, Sandhurst, Gisborne and South Bendigo.

It’s the sixth straight season Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst have filled the top three positions – in different orders – at the end of the home and away season.