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A PAIR of upsets and memorable wins to South Bendigo and Golden Square have marked round five of BFNL netball.
At the Queen Elizabeth Oval, Eaglehawk stamped itself as a genuine premiership contender with a three-goal win over previously undefeated Sandhurst.
The Hawks, led by great performances from Dayna McGough and Ashley Ryan, produced their best win in several years to move their record to 3-2, on level pegging with four other teams.
They won 48-45.
The loss was not enough for the Dragons to fall from top spot on the ladder.
At Strathfieldsaye, Aleisha Langdon got her first win as A-grade coach of the Storm following a 44-41 win over Maryborough.
The Magpies were unable top back-up their impressive win of a fortnight ago against Kangaroo Flat as the Storm held their nerve in a tense final term.
Meanwhile, South Bendigo has christened its new courts at Harry Trott Oval with a resounding win over BFNL rivals Kyneton.
The Bloods were forced to work hard for the majority of the contest, but pulled away after half time to record a 55-24 victory.
It was South Bendigo's third consecutive win.
Coach Benita Swatton said it was a special day for her side, playing their much anticipated first match at their new home and getting a win to keep the Bloods in touch with the leading brigade.
"We didn't come out firing in the first half, connections weren't working, but coming into the second half the girls were able to get it together with a few changes," she said.
"They got a bit of fire in the belly knowing the game was so close.
"Our girls definitely have the talent, sometimes they just need to be reminded that they do have that talent."
The Bloods benefited from strong games by wing defence Molly Johnston and wing attack Emily Cossar.
At Wade Street, Golden Square held off a fast-finishing and spirited Gisborne in a finals-calibre game.
Gisborne, with class goal shooter Ella Bertachinni on-target, drew level the home side with a few minutes remaining in the final term.
But a pair of late steadying goals from Bulldogs goal shooter Gabe Richards, gave Golden Square a hard-fought 45-43 win.
Golden Square coach Allira Holmes praised her players ability to dig deep when challenged by an obvious premiership contender.
"We know that Gisborne is a team that is always going to give 110 per cent, they fight right to the end and they are a team that will contest every ball," she said.
"They made us work very hard, and I think we got a little tired in the last little bit.
"We were a little lucky to hang on, but we kept our cool. Gisborne forced a few turnovers, but we steadied and were able to keep possession and win by that very short margin."
Holmes was rapt with the performance of Richards, who scored a game equal-high 34 goals from 40 attempts.
"There's no denying Gabe's a strong player, we miss her when she's not here," she said.
"She's definitely an integral part of our team.
"But I think Maddy Stewart played brilliantly on her. She has an excellent vertical leap and really made Gabe work for any high balls."
For Gisborne it was heartache after working its way back from a five-goal first quarter deficit to be level with only minutes remaining, before stumbling to their second close loss for the season.
"We just couldn't execute at the right time to put ourselves in to a position to win it," said Bulldogs coach Guy Keane.
"We need to start getting some wins against the top teams in the league.
"Obviously against Kangaroo Flat we just came up short as well, so we'll be looking to learn from these tight contests."
Tiana Newman, who spent a half each at wing defence and centre, was best for Gisborne.
Golden Square's win pushed them to second on the ladder, equal on four wins with Sandhurst.
Gisborne joined Kangaroo Flat, Maryborough, Eaglehawk and South Bendigo on 3-2.
In the remaining game, Kangaroo Flat were big winners over Castlemaine 96-30.