Gisborne loses heart stopper

Scott 'Sticks' Murray drives the ball forward for Gisborne.

The Gisborne Masters over 45s made the arduous trip down to Traralgon to take on the folk from down Gippsland way. The bus left early after the kind Rookies ladies provided a hearty breakfast of bacon and egg rolls for most of the team. Donny drove the bus and all was good as they left sunny Gisborne. All players were partaking in the water and other beverages provided for the long journey, with Stan and Kenny setting a fine example.
The weather quickly deteriorated as they headed further east, first drizzle then rain and fog and were looking forward to a wet and slippery day. They were given the good news on their arrival that there would be no power until later in the afternoon and this would mean cold showers after the game. Still, they soldiered on.
The game got underway in slippery conditions with neither team able to get the upper hand. Defence was the order of the day and the desperation showed by Pommy and Stan, combined with the skills of the new young recruit 'The Hoff', provided enough drive to have Gisborne in front at half time. The Bulldogs midfield and forward line made the most of their opportunities with Sticks and Stevie creating play across the centre and Tony as the general in the forward line. Gisborne held a two-goal lead at the long break.
The third quarter was a little drier, and after intermittent showers in the first half, the skill level rose. Tony didn't drop a mark all day, Broo boy was great in defence and Coley, Kenny and Paulo created havoc on the wings. Unfortunately, it didn't translate to the scoreboard and suddenly Gippsland kicked three goals in three minutes and they then led by a couple of points at the final break. The last quarter was a struggle with neither team able to take the ascendancy and was cut short when one of the Gippsland boys was injured. The game was stopped to ensure he could be taken from the ground with no further risk to his health and Gippsland was declared the victor by three points.
After enjoying the hospitality of the locals, the boys endured the disappointment of a long bus trip home. Bernard and Donald provided highlights as they stopped at every McDonalds on the way and were given a 45-minute tour of Drouin. Thanks to Ryan for driving the bus home and to Peter and Michael who looked after the medical side of things for the day.
The next game for the Gisborne Masters features both the 35s and 45s playing at Gardiner Reserve this Sunday, June 2, against Geelong. The club welcome all family friends and supporters down to the game for an entertaining afternoon. Matches start from 12pm.