THE Bendigo Pioneers endured another frustrating near-miss in the NAB League on Saturday.

The Pioneers' four-point defeat to the Sandringham Dragons was the third time in their past five games they have been beaten by less than a kick.

The 10.18 (78) to 12.2 (74) loss at Echuca leaves the Pioneers with a 2-5 record and in 12^th position on the ladder.

However, in what has been a far more competitive season, but also one of "what if" so far, they'd be sitting fifth and just percentage off second spot had their three losses by under a goal been wins.

"The boys were really good for three-and-a-half quarters today, but we just had a few little moments here and there where we let the opposition get a bit of a run-on," Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said.

"We were very happy with how the boys played against a quality opposition; unfortunately, the result didn't go our way."

While there was only four points the difference on the scoreboard, the Dragons' tally of 28 scoring shots was double that of the Pioneers' 14.

"We managed to get some deep entries today and were able to have a lot of our shots at goal from close range," Coburn said.

"And we were able to keep Sandringham outside the perimeter a bit and force them into a lot of shots from the boundary."

The best for the Pioneers - who led by 19 points early in the last quarter - was backman William Wallace, whose 15 possessions included six rebounds from the defensive 50.

"William has been sensational as a key back for us this year. He has played on some really handy players and not only has he kept them quiet, but he's given us a lot of run and drive," Coburn said.

Josh Treacy provided a focal point in attack, taking six marks and kicking three goals.

"He was a terrific target for us forward and also did a bit of work in the ruck. He's big, aggressive and mobile and as a 16-year-old really leads by example," Coburn said.

Jake Dick-O'Flaherty also kicked three goals for the Pioneers, whose attack (+18 points per game) and defence (+24 points per game) are both significantly improved compared to the same time last year.

Bendigo's leading disposal-winner was Riley Wilson with 23, while he also laid six tackles.

The Pioneers' next game is against the Western Jets at Williamstown on June 2.

MATCH DETAILS:

Bendigo Pioneers 4.0, 6.0, 10.1, 12.2 (74)

Sandringham Dragons 3.3, 4.10, 6.12, 10.18 (78)

GOALS - J. Dick-O'Flaherty, J. Treacy 3, R. Clarke 2, J. Evans, K. Attwell, J. Schischka, Z. Murley.

BEST - W. Wallace, J. Treacy, J. Evans, J. Ginnivan, W. Shaw, R. Wilson

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