Gisborne breaks Sandhurst’s dynasty

GISBORNE is the new queen of the netball court after it ended Sandhurst’s reign as A Grade champions of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL competition.

The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne capped a remarkable fightback in Saturday’s grand final to score a one-goal win against a Sandhurst line-up gunning for a fifth consecutive A Grade premiership.

From five goals down it was the red, white and blue, cheered on by a big contingent of netballers and footballers from Gisborne who turned the contest at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

In one of the most memorable A Grade grand finals in BFNL history it was Gisborne which marked a 40-39 victory.

The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst needed a goal to force the match into extra time.

It was not to be as Gisborne denied the maroon and blue what would have been an unbeaten run to claim the cup once again.

Best on court honours went to Gisborne’s mid-court star Claudia Mawson who during the season represented Victoria Fury at the Netball Australia championships.

A formidable Gisborne team included Zoe Davies who will now be bound for the English Super League to represent Leeds Rhinos.

Runner-up to Sandhurst in 2018, Gisborne claimed the A Grade netball premiership for the first time in 10 years.

A huge day for the Bulldogs began with a 50-49 victory against Sandhurst in the 17 & Under final with best on court honours going to Gisborne’s Bella Connors.

In a remarkable feat Sandhurst had all five teams contest grand finals.

The Dragons’ fired up for a 43-33 victory in the A Reserve clash with Gisborne and talented teenager Charlotte Sexton from Sandhurst earned best on court honours.

It was a victory for the maroon and blue in B Grade where Elli Williams starred in a 43-33 win against Gisborne.

Kangaroo Flat netted the B Reserve premiership after a 48-41 win against the Sandhurst line-up.