Match Reviews | THE Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy team celebrated a long-awaited inter-league victory against Ovens and Murray’s stars on Saturday.

It was the first time in 29 years that Bendigo had faced O and M.

The Simon Rosa-coached Bendigo FNL raced to a 40-point lead by quarter-time of their clash on Bendigo’s turf at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

In a brilliant start the blue and gold capitalised on slick teamwork from half-back and midfield and also forced O and M to many errors.

Key forward Michael Hartley from Castlemaine had a major impact in the opening term.

Whether it was kicking goals or knocking the ball to the ground in marking contests, Hartley had a big say in the start.

It was 23-nil by the 15th minute after Hartley, Gisborne’s Dylan Johnstone, and Strathfieldsaye’s James Schischka were on target.

Superb running play by O and M from a defensive kick-in was capped by Tim Oosterhoff from Lavington running to an open goalsquare and kicking truly in the 16th minute.

For the rest of the quarter it was Bendigo which did plenty of attacking.

Gisborne’s James Gray, Golden Square’s Jack Stewart, Strathfieldsaye’s Tyson McKenzie, and Gray again joined in the goalscoring frenzy.

A 47-7 lead was great reward for Bendigo’s dare and also strong defensive efforts by Gisborne’s Zac Vescovi, Golden Square’s Jayden Burke, and Sandhurst’s Lachlan Wright.

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