BENDIGO LEAGUE - ROUND 12
The Bulldogs' impressive form continues after succeeding in the Bendigo League's top-three clash with the Roos.
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Both teams knew it was going to be a tight game, with the Bulldogs only taking a four-goal buffer come the final siren.
Bulldogs' captain Maddy Stewart said it was always a tough game for both sides when the teams play each other.
"We always match up really well with them regardless of where we are on the ladder," Stewart said.
"It's also always a good tough physical contest with them."
The tough competition put up by both sides was reflected by the low final scores, Bulldogs 39 defeated the Roos 35.
"They put up a good fight, but we just managed to get over the line in the end," Stewart said.
At the end of the first quarter the Bulldogs had a six-goal lead 11-5 and at half time 18-13.
But at the start of the final quarter, there were only two goals between the teams, with the Bulldogs ahead by two, 27-25.
Stewart attributed her team's strong start to the game as essential to the win.
"We got off to a good start...but they were always there with us throughout the game. They always manage to fight back when they're down," Stewart said.
"But we managed to push it out by a few goals come the end of the game, it really did take a whole team effort."
However, one Bulldogs' player who was a standout on the court was goal attack Holly Doricic.
"Holly did an awesome job and took the pressure off our goaler Clare (Vearing)." Stewart said.
The Bulldogs now move to a 9-1 record and are on top of the ladder, while the Roos are now 7-3-1 and in fourth position.
Meanwhile in other games, Sandhurst now moves to a 9-2 record and are second on the ladder after an 18-goal win over South Bendigo who are now 4-5-2 and in fifth position.
The Dragons had control of the game from start to finish and led at each break, final scores 67-49.
Eaglehawk will now move to a 7-1-3 record and are third on the ladder after a 36-goal win over Maryborough who are now 2-7-1 in seventh position behind Kyneton who had a bye this week.
It was a similar story at Canterbury Park with the Hawks taking an early lead over their opponents and continued to keep the pressure on until the end of the game, final scores 74-38.
Strathfieldsaye was able to add another victory to the board with a 12-goal win over Golden Square, final scores 34-22.
The Storm now move to a 3-8 record and eighth on the ladder while the Bulldogs are 0-11 on the bottom and will continue their quest for their first win of the season next week against the Bloods.
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HEATHCOTE LEAGUE - ROUND 13
North Bendigo's quest for top five recognition in the Heathcote League has been hindered following a six-goal home court loss to Mount Pleasant.
Both teams were more than eager for a win as the first time the squads met in round four it was a draw at 33 apiece.
Blues' coach Belinda Pinner said it was essential for her team to be resilient against the Bulldogs.
"Last time we played, we drew and we struggled as a team as soon as they made a comeback or when we made mistakes," Pinner said.
"But the win today showed that we've come a little bit further, we made a few mistakes but we didn't them get on top of us.
"In the first quarter they came out firing and shot four goals before we scored.
"But the team buckled down to get it level at quarter time."
The Blues then went into attacking mode for the following quarters.
"We just pushed through to get back on top. It was a really good team game today which was nice to see," Pinner said.
The Blues' 51-45 victory will now see them move to a 6-4-1 record and are fourth on the ladder while the Bulldogs are 3-7-1 in seventh position.
Meanwhile in other games, Heathcote endured a 26-goal loss to top three team Huntly, final scores 32-58.
The Hawks now move to an 8-4 record and are third on the ladder while the Saints are 1-10 and in eighth position.
Elmore suffered a 34-goal loss to the hands of reigning premiers White Hills, final scores 31-65.
The Bloods now move to an equal 6-6 record and are fifth on the ladder while the Demons are 10-1 in second position behind the undefeated top squad Colbinabbin who had a bye this week.
Lockington Bamawm United went down to Leitchville Gunbower on their home court by 14-goals, final scores 41-54.
The Cats now move to a 1-11 record and are on the bottom of the ladder while the Bombers are 4-7 in sixth position.
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LODDON VALLEY LEAGUE - ROUND 14
When Maiden Gully YCW and Calivil United first met in round five, there was just one goal between the teams, with the Eagles ahead.
Fast forward to round 14 and it was the Demons who secured victory, this time by a more than comfortable 26-goals.
Demons' director of coaching Karen Pascoe said a strong start to the game helped secure the win.
"Everyone did their job today and they all did it well," Pascoe said.
"I believe we had seven goals before they were on the board, which set us up well. It's always easier to have the lead, playing catch up is tricky."
The 65-39 win will see the Demons Move to an 8-5 record and fourth on the ladder while the Eagles are now 6-6 and just within the top five in fifth position.
Moving forward to the business end of the season Pascoe said wins such as the one over the Eagles helped "settle the team".
"It was a full team commitment and today was one of the best starts to a game all season, which will help us prepare next week for Mitiamo," Pascoe said.
"Hopefully the girls will be confident heading into the game, they're always tricky as they're a class side."
The Demons secured a nine-goal win over the Superoos when they first met in round six.
However, Mitiamo have showed strong form all season with a 10-2 record in second position on the ladder and will be well-rested as this week they had a bye.
"You never quite know what you will come up against. I'm expecting a close game and a good tussle from both sides," Pascoe said.
Meanwhile in other games, Bridgewater has kept its undefeated season alive with a 10-goal win over BL-Serpentine, final scores 45-35.
The Mean Machine moves to an unscathed 13-0 record and firmly on top of the ladder while the Bears are now 4-8 and in sixth position.
Inglewood's return to A-grade was boosted with a 14-goal win over Pyramid Hill.
After the 54-40 win the Blues now move to a 3-10 record and are eighth on the ladder while the Bulldogs remain without a win this season are now 0-12 and last on the ladder.
Newbridge secured a 27-goal win over Marong at home to remain within the top three teams, final scores 69-42.
The Maroons are now third on the ladder with a 9-3 record while the Panthers are 3-10 in seventh position.
READ MORE ON FOOTY: SATURDAY SCOREBOARD - July 13, 2019
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