The game was in the balance at the main break, but a 20-6 third quarter broke the game open for Gisborne and the visitors cruised to a 63-47 victory.

Prior to Saturday’s game the resurgent Roos looked a great chance to take Gisborne’s place in the top three.

The Roos had won three of their previous four matches and looked a serious premiership contender.

Gisborne started the stronger side on Saturday and opened up a 20-14 lead bu quarter-time.

The Roos regained the momentum with a strong second quarter.

The home side lifted its defensive intensity and restricted Gisborne to nine goals in the second term and scores were locked at 29 apiece at half-time.

Gisborne then turned the game on its head with one of its best quarters of the season.

As a team, Gisborne defended superbly and forced the Roos into turnovers or tough shots.

The Bulldogs added 20 goals to six and locked away the four points.

Premiership favourite Sandhurst took its season record to 8-0 after it disposed of Golden Square 60-40.

The Bulldogs threw everything at Sandhurst, but the Dragons had too much class across the court.

In the final game of the round, second-placed Eaglehawk outclassed Strathfieldsaye.

A 20-7 first term was the catalyst for the Borough’s 66-40 win.

The Storm tried to get back into the game and did manage to outscore the Hawks in the second quarter, but the Borough’s class and depth took over in the second half.

A 19-9 third quarter by the visitors was followed by a 16-9 final term. 

A-grade ladder:

Sandhurst 40, 155.9

Eaglehawk 36, 143.3

Gisborne 28, 134.1

Kangaroo Flat 24, 118.6

Golden Square 24, 84.3

Maryborough 20, 77.3

South Bendigo 16, 79.5

Strathfieldsaye 8, 51.3