FOR the second time this BFNL season Gisborne has fended off a gallant challenge from Maryborough to notch its sixth victory.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a dour struggle in atrocious conditions at Gardiner Reserve, the Bulldogs kicked the last three goals to win 8.10 (58) to 5.10 (40).
Saturday’s match included a goalless third quarter in which the Magpies scored 0.5 to the Bulldogs’ 0.4.
The result marked a winning senior debut for two Gisborne youngsters still eligible for the under-16s in Baxter Slater and Liam Spear.
“It was a real slog of a game today in tough conditions and Maryborough certainly had a crack and got their noses in front a few times,” Gisborne coach Brad Spear said.
“It was our least experienced side of the year with a cluster of injuries we have, so it was a good result for the club to get a win with so many young players.”
Vice-captain Eamon McKenna in defence, skipper Jarrad Lynch through the midfield and stints in the ruck and Trent Crosbie were the Bulldogs’ best trio.
The Magpies had good players in their premier midfielder Ethan Crackel, Connor O’Shea and James Macer.
“We kicked the first two goals of the last quarter and gave ourselves a good position to launch from,” Magpies coach Shane Skontra said.
“But Gisborne was able to get a goal against the tide and then another couple after that to get away from us.
“Gisborne at Gisborne is always a tricky task, but similar to when we played them at Maryborough earlier in the year (28-point loss after leading at three quarter-time), we just fell away at the end.”