GIPPSLAND fought back brilliantly to beat the Bendigo Football Netball League's open team in Saturday's netball clash on the QEO court.
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At four minutes to go the Bendigo team held a six-goal lead.
In the space of a few minutes the margin was nil as Gippsland forced the match into extra-time.
Players then went back on court to play seven-minute halves.
After 14 more minutes of fierce play, Gippsland celebrated a 55-50 victory.
Coach of the Bendigo FNL team, Jannelle Hobbs said Gippsland just kept on fighting.
"Maybe at a few minutes to go we relaxed, whereas Gippsland did not," said Hobbs.
"We made some crucial errors and momentum just swung dramatically," Hobbs said of the final minutes in normal time and then throughout overtime.
"Gippsland's momentum just kept rolling. They had just the seven players, so it was an incredible effort."
The umpires' award for Bendigo's best player went to Gisborne's Tiana Newman, a dual winner of the Betty Thompson Medal for being best and fairest in the A-grade competition run by the BFNL.
Newman was co-captain of the Bendigo team with Lauren Cowling, who is also a Betty Thompson medallist.
Bendigo's best against Gippsland included Kangaroo Flat's Alicia McGlashan in defence, and Rachel McKenzie, 28 goals.
The day's netball at the QEO included the 17-under match in which Bendigo beat Echuca.
The Bendigo Football Netball League's representative netball teams will now gear up for the Association championships to be played on June 29.
The BFNL season resumes this Saturday.
Kangaroo Flat is at home to Kyneton, Castlemaine hosts South Bendigo, Eaglehawk and Maryborough do battle at Canterbury Park, Gisborne faces Strathfieldsaye at Gardiner Reserve, and Sandhurst plays Golden Square at the QEO.