REIGNING 17-and-under premiers Sandhurst have inflicted Gisborne's first loss for the 2018 season.
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The Dragons defeated the Bulldogs 37-34 in a finals-like intensity contest at the QEO on Saturday.
Gisborne threatened to steal the contest in the final quarter, drawing level with the Dragons after earlier trailing by as many as six goals.
But a pair of goals late in the contest from Tess Keating steadied the ship for the Dragons, who finished the game with a three goal win.
Despite the loss, Gisborne retains top spot ahead of next week;s clash against Golden Square.
The Dragons, who have beaten top three sides in each of their past two games, have a bye.
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