REIGNING champions Sandhurst sent a formidable warning to its premiership rivals with a 12 goal win over last season's grand final combatant Gisborne at the QEO.
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The Dragons overcame a two-goal half-time deficit to notch up 16 goals in each of the last two quarters and win a top of the table clash 55-43.
Their 13th win of the season assures the Dragons, who are chasing a third-straight premiership, top spot ahead of finals.
With finals only two weeks away, Sandhurst joint coach Tamara Gilchrist believes her side is peaking at the right time.
"We've been building to that all season and are really happy with the result of the game and the effort of the girls, and are now really looking forward to the next five weeks," she said.
"We worked really hard on four consistent quarters, which is probably what has been letting us down in the past.
"Today (Saturday) the girls played so hard for each other - our defensive pressure all the way down the court was great. We had an amazing amount of turnovers and we were able to convert from turnovers. That was the big difference today."
As they have been throughout their premiership reign, the Dragons oozed strength in all areas of the court.
Imogen Sexton was the standout at goal keeper, while Bec Smith - in her 50th game for the Dragons - and Heather Oliver teamed well in the goal circle.
In the midcourt, Meg Williams capped an amazing week in which she was best on court in the VNL division one grand final, by excelling in her 100th game for the club.
Gilchrist was quick to praise both milestone players.
"Our shooters were fantastic, Bec is such a great target and Ollie shot the lights out - they worked so well together and that's what we need," Gilchrist said.
"And I cannot speak highly enough of Meg, she is an absolute superstar of the competition and such a club legend.
"She is so loyal and the work that she does is just second to none."
Gisborne star Maddy Stewart said the Bulldogs were disappointed to have squandered such a promising start, after leading at half time.
"We knew coming into the game it was going to be really tough - we started well but just let them get on top," she said.
"They are such a good side that when they do get a run on, it's difficult to peg back.
"We need to make sure we're playing our game and not adjusting to them."
The loss was the Bulldogs second on end after dropping a home contest the previous week against Eaglehawk.
Meanwhile, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk are set for a final round showdown to decide which gets the double chance, after both scored good wins.
The Hawks defeated Kyneton 58-37 at Canterbury Park, while Kangaroo Flat travelled to Maryborough to defeat the Magpies 59-46.
South Bendigo warmed up for its first A-grade final series in more than 15 years with a 50-40 win over Strathfieldsaye at harry Trott Oval.
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