Dogs outrun Storm at Strathfieldsaye

GOLDEN Square won every quarter in another big victory against Strathfieldsaye on Saturday to complete the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League’s home and away series.

The Bulldogs trekked to Storm’s territory at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

A qualifying final showdown between the teams was a certainty, no matter the result.

What did change was ladder positions as the Bulldogs moved to second after an 88-41 victory.

The Christian Carter-coached Bulldogs led 21-13 at quarter-time and scored 5.8 to nil in the second term to hold a 46-point margin at the break.

Defences were on top in the third term as Storm added 2.1 to 1.1.

The play of the skilful Ricky Monti, hard-running Hamish Morcom, and defensive work of Liam Duguid and Zack Shelton were among highlights for the Bulldogs in the 12.16 (88) to 6.5 (41) result.

Gun forwards Joel Brett and Jayden Burke kicked three goals apiece.

Storm had no multiple goalkickers.

A sign of the Dogs’ defensive play was Liam Barrett and Will Lee also being among the best.

Storm’s best were Mitchell Hallinan, Lachlan Ratcliffe, Jack Neylon, Jake Moorhead, George Simpson and James Schischka.

South Bendigo warmed up for an elimination final by scoring a 63-point win against Kangaroo Flat at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The Bloods charged to a 59-11 lead by half-time in what would be James Flaherty’s final game as the Roos’ senior coach.

Brock Harvey continued his superb form by kicking six goals to be among the best with Michael Herlihy who kicked three goals and Isaiah Miller.

Gisborne bounced back from defeat the previous round to beat Eaglehawk by 80 points on the Bulldogs’ ground at Gardiner Reserve.

Matt Merrett was best on ground as the classy Ethan Foreman and on-baller Brad Bernacki both kicked four goals to be Gisborne’s best.

Rhys Magin kicked nine goals as Kyneton marked what would be its final match of ’22 by scoring a 101-point win against Maryborough at Tigerland.

Sandhurst had 43 scoring shots in its big win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve as the talented Cobi Maxted booted nine goals.