A brave final quarter comeback wasn’t enough for the Rural Bank Bendigo Pioneers to get the points in their TAC Cup clash with the Northen Knights on Sunday.
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The Pioneers looked destined for a five-goal plus defeat when the Knights led by four goals early in the final quarter.
Despite only kicking three goals in the first three quarters, the Pioneers dug deep and kicked three unanswered goals to get within four points at the 20-minute mark of the final term.
However, their last quarter surge was quashed by a couple of poor turnovers and the Knights steadied to win by 15 points, 9.10 (64) to 6.13 (49).
Mitch Kemp was the standout for the Pioneers off half-back, while key defender Keelin Betson also impressed.
Austin Mertz, Caleb Sheahan, skipper Laine Fitzgerald and defender Zane Keighran were in the Pioneers best players.
Second-gamer Angus Byrne and first-gamer Will Hamilton showed plenty inside forward 50 and kicked two goals each.
The result left the Pioneers with a 3-9 record and in 10th place after 12 rounds.
They’re only one win and percentage outside of the top eight ahead of next week’s clash with the Sandringham Dragons at Trevor Barker Oval.
The Dragons are in fourth place on the ladder, but the Pioneers won their last encounter in round six.
