PREMIERS of the 2017-19 seasons, Sandhurst has again showed it’s going to take an almighty effort to deny them another A-grade flag in the 2022 Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.
The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst marked a 10th consecutive victory when it overcame a slow start to beat Gisborne in Saturday’s match at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Both clubs have had many closely-fought duels over the years, especially at finals time.
It was Gisborne which started well to lead by five goals, before the team in maroon and blue cut the deficit to a goal by quarter-time.
The Bulldogs’ hopes took a huge hit when goal attack Claudia Mason injured her ankle and did not take to the court after the first break.
It was all Sandhurst in the second term as it opened a 13-goal buffer by the main break.
It was goal-for-goal for a lot of the second half as the Dragons won 53-37.
Bec Smith scored 38 goals for Sandhurst and Imogen Sexton was superb in defence.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne worked hard, especially after the Dragons had dominated the second quarter.
Among the positives for the team in red, white and blue was the play of Charlee Kemp, Maddy Stewart and Kirby Elliott.
Eaglehawk dominated the second and third quarters on its way to a 58-33 win against Strathfieldsaye at Canterbury Park.
The Hawks marked their third win of the season as Gracie Berryman, Morgan Keating and Rani Madden led the way to victory.
Fifth on the ladder, Castlemaine increased its lead to the sixth-placed Kyneton to 10 points after an 18-goal win at Kyneton Showgrounds.
The Magpies were too strong for the Tigers in a 49-31 result.
Kangaroo Flat hit the 75-goal mark in a 36-goal victory on Maryborough’s court at Princes Park.
The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo dominated play at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to score a 78-29 win.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition:
Sandhurst 200 per cent, 40 points; Kangaroo Flat 195, 36; South Bendigo 120, 26; Gisborne 123, 24; Castlemaine 104, 24; Kyneton 78, 14; Strathfieldsaye 71.3, 12; Eaglehawk 71.1, 12; Maryborough 80, 8; Golden Square 43, 0.
In next Saturday’s 11th round, South Bendigo plays Eaglehawk at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Gisborne and Kyneton meet at Gardiner Reserve.
Strathfieldsaye and Sandhurst clash on Storm’s court at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
It’s the all-Magpies showdown between Castlemaine and Maryborough at Camp Reserve.
Kangaroo Flat faces neighboring Golden Square at Dower Park.
Written by Nathan Dole.