This week sees the starting of the second round of competition for the Men’s SE Coast Basketball League. After one full round last season’s grand finalists, Bulldogs and Panthers-Wizards, are locked together at the top of the table each with a 5/1 win-loss record. Roos, the big improvers for this season, is in third place, followed by Panthers clinging onto fourth. Cougars are just one win out of the four while Cats and Saints are struggling for numbers at this stage of the season.

Last week Bulldogs and Roos reached centuries in their totals against Cats and Panthers respectively. Simon Berkefeld dominated the Bulldogs win scoring a massive 43 points. Kingsley Clark and Cole Hedwards were in fine touch from outside for Roos in their big win over Panthers. Panthers-Wizards won by 30 odd points against an under-manned Saints. Ben Brumby, Nick Morrison and Michael Stephens set up this big win with some consistent scoring.

Surprise of the night came in the form of the 38 point margin between last season women’s grand finalists, Cougars and Cats. Catherine Larkin was almost unstoppable inside the paint and had steady support from Emily Stafford. In contrast Jasmine Howe was the only Cats player to compile double figures in their meagre total of 20 points. Bulldogs defeated Panthers on the back of a 21 point haul by Sara Chapple. Panthers did not have players able to match Chapple’s offensive skills on the night.

Roos were unable to field a team for their match against Saints in Millicent.

Cougars is the only undefeated side in the Women’s SE Coast Basketball League and hence head the Premiership table. Panthers, Bulldogs and Cats make up the four in that order. Saints and Roos are both within striking distance of the four.

This week is the penultimate round of matches before the Christmas and holiday break.

Interest will centre on two Men’s matches; the Cougars/ Roos clash and the Wizards versus Panthers meeting. Cats and Saints play at home while Bulldogs have the bye. It is interesting to note that members of the Senior Lakers men’s side are having impacts on the local competition, perhaps a result of the efforts being put in at the Lakers’ training sessions.

In the Women’s games Panthers travel to Millicent to play Cats, Saints face an inform Cougars and Roos take on Bulldogs.