GOLDEN Square held off a fast-finishing Gisborne by nine points at Gardiner Reserve on Saturday in what was the seventh match in their past nine encounters decided by single-figures.
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Golden Square, which had Jack Geary a late withdrawal, won 11.10 (76) to 9.13 (67) having earlier led by 29 points at three quarter-time.
After kicking just five goals for the first three quarters, Gisborne booted four goals in the last, but was unable to reel in the deficit.
While Square secured the four points and its third win of the season, there are more hamstring concerns for star Corey Jones after leaving the field late in the game in his first match since round one.
“We’re not sure about it yet... he came off with a bit of a tight hammy so hopefully, we got it in time,” Square coach Nick Carter said.
“With a bit of luck he’ll be right next week.”
Golden Square made what proved to be the match-winning move in the second quarter.
After leading 4.3 to 3.3 at quarter-time, Square kicked the only five goals of the second term to establish a 35-point lead at half-time.
“I thought we played some good footy in the first half and there were lots of positives. We played with more purpose than we had in the first three games,” Carter said.
However, in what became a slog in the wet in the second half, Square was held to just two goals after the break, while Gisborne added six.
“They had more of the ball in their forward line in the second half and took their opportunities,” Carter said.
“They kept competing like we knew Gisborne would, but to the guys’ credit they hung in there and got the win.”
Square’s best were led by captain Simon Rosa, who continued his super start to the season, Jon Coe, Che Walls, Ryan Herring (two goals) and Dale Lowry.
Better players for Gisborne - now 1-3 - included Jarrad Lynch, who played on Jones, fellow defender Heath Simpson, key midfielders Casey Summerfield and Scott Walsh, while 16-year-old Tyson Lever across half-back showed he has a big future ahead of him.
“Our effort, intensity and want for the contest was much better in that second half,” Sharp said.
“They got away from us for 15 minutes in the second quarter when we went into our shells and they played some good footy and it’s that period that probably won the game for them.
“I thought our boys were gallant in that second half to keep fighting away.
“It’s disappointing that we’re 1-3, but I still have a lot of belief in the group.”
Matt Knox and Callan Haynes kicked two goals each for Gisborne.
Gisborne youngster Shannon Rooth was reported for striking an “unknown” Golden Square player.
VOTES:
SIMON ROSA (Golden Square) 5
JON COE (Golden Square) 4
JARRAD LYNCH (Gisborne) 3
HEATH SIMPSON (Gisborne) 2
CHE WALLS (Golden Square) 1