AND so we come to the end of the year… but there’s plenty on the cards from the final CBL Round of 2018!
GIPPSLAND MEN
In the last round before the Christmas break, Bairnsdale triumphed over Western Port, winning 74-62. Bairnsdale had a steady lead throughout the match, with Andrew Savige (26 points) and Greg Lampkin (14 points) getting some early points on the board to push the Bullets ahead. Moe came back from its disappointing performance last week in the game against Sale, coming out on top by 19 points. Moe’s Nick Medley had a standout performance with four three pointers and 26 points to his name. Whereas Sale’s Mehmed Bektas, has backed up his fantastic performances in recent weeks to score 25 points for the Sonics.
GIPPSLAND WOMEN
Korumburra maintain its perfect winning record – taking its eighth win leading as we head into the Christmas break. On Saturday, the Wildcats came away victorious by 29 points over the T.Birds pushing them down to third spot on the table. The first term was goal for goal, however with the help of Korumburra’s Chloe Hogg (23 points) and Jamie Lee Jeffs (18 points) the Wildcats were able to gain a strong lead on their competitors and come away with the win. Sale had two difficult games on the weekend against Warragul and Moe. Warragul made up for its devastating one-point loss last week to come away with the win over Sale 78-52. The Warriors’ Mikaela Dickson (18 points) and Shanara Norman (18 points) led the way with their scoreboard domination to get an early lead on their competitors. The win moves Warragul into second spot on the table.
After seven consecutive losses, Sale added a win to its tally with its victory over Moe 63-57. Sale got an early lead, however Moe came back to make it a goal for goal forth term. The Sonics’ Staci Scott lead the way for the side with 16 points to her name and Moe’s sharpshooter Caitlin Demczuk dominated the scoreboard with 28 points for the Meteors.
NORTH EAST MEN
Shepparton continue to stay at the top of the table with its win over Wangaratta on the weekend. The Gators took control of the game early with the help of its standout players, Liam Dodd (23 points) and Gabe Evans (16 points). Unfortunately Wangaratta also went down to Wallan on Sunday 79-92. Wallan’s Maxwell Viitala had a massive scoring effort with 36 points and despite the loss, the Warrior’s Jake Bowen was best for Wangaratta with 30 points and three three-pointers to his name. The Wodonga Wolves came away victorious to Benalla by 18 points, keeping the Breakers winless. Deba George had an outstanding performance racking up 35 points which included a whopping seven three-pointers.
NORTH EAST WOMEN
It was a massive round for the North East Women’s competition with seven games played out on the weekend. Kyneton moved to second spot on the table after its two wins against Wodonga and Wangaratta. Kyneton vs Wodonga was an absolute thriller, with the Tigers coming out on top 55-54. The game was goal for goal in the last five minutes of the match and a handy two pointer from Rebecca Van Kuyk (21 points) got Kyneton over the edge. Wodonga had another close one in the game against with Swan Hill, but came away victorious by three points. The Wolves maintained a small lead throughout the match, however the Flyers made up some ground to be within two points in the remaining seconds of the game. Shepparton triumphed in its game against the Wangaratta Lady Warriors by 11 points. Shepparton got away early with the help of Rhianna Barton (14 points) and Kior Zito (11 points).
NORTH WEST MEN
Top spot Echuca overpowered Swan Hill and Bendigo in its games across the weekend. The Pirates led convincingly throughout the match against the Flyers, however late 10-point effort from Swan Hill in the remaining minutes reduced the final margin to seven points. In the Pirates match against Bendigo, the Braves started strong and gained an early lead in the match. However Echuca came back in the third and overpowered Bendigo to win by 15 points. Mildura won its match against Castlemaine winning 81-73. Even though the Cannons bested the Heat the last time these two teams met, The Heat got away early and held a small lead throughout the match to win by 8 points. Mildura’s Lachlan Knight (19 points) lead the way for Heats victory, while Castlemaine’s Cameron Devereaux had the best scoring effort for the day on 23 points.
SOUTH WEST MEN
Mt Gambier are now one win away from top spot, with its massive 46 point victory over Hamilton on the weekend. The Lakers dominated the game, with Braiden Ousey (25 points) and Lachlan Hunter (21 points) leading the way to victory with their impressive performances on the court. Portland jump in front of Colac on the table with its win against Bellarine. A massive scoreboard effort from Hayden Annett with 32 points and 8 three pointers, gave the Coasters the edge they needed to secure the victory. Bacchus Marsh came away with a convincing win over Colac, winning by 16 points. This is the Lions seventh win in a row and puts them in a great position leading into the new year. Jordan Kirk (24 points) and Max Beaumont (23 points) were the standouts for the Lions and Colac’s Nathan Lemke had the biggest scoreboard presence with 33 points.
SOUTH WEST WOMEN
Portland keep its position on top with its two wins against Geelong and Bellarine. The Coasters came away victorious by 18 points over the Supercats with Taylah Nelson leading the way on 28 points for the match. Millicent inch themselves closer to top spot with its two wins over Warrnambool and Colac. Warrnambool who are currently winless gave the Magic a run for its money, leading at the half time break. However Millicent proved to be too strong when they overpowered the mermaids to win by 10 points. Unfortunately Bellarine couldn’t back up its two wins last week, going down in both games on the weekend to Colac and Portland.