La Trobe had mixed fortunes at the Masters Games last week in Adelaide. The 50+ side struggled early in the week when they lost their first 2 games to the eventual Gold and Silver recipients respectively in Princes Hill and Adelaide Reds. Both teams had pretty good line-ups including ex NBL players but our boys were definitely not on their game. From there we started to gel better and despite losing a close one to Adelaide Masters in the preliminary round we were able to turn the tables on them in the Bronze medal playoff to the tune of 12 points - 43 to 31. It was a great team effort with everyone getting better as the week progressed and saving our best for last. Well coached too by Joff Pretto.

The 45+ side had one excellent game when they outclassed Megabucks the eventual Silver medallists but they battled to find consistency in any of their other games and sadly ended up missing the play-off round.

In the 50+ side it was great that 5 members of the LTU 1974 IV side that played in Adelaide were able to play together again in Dave Davies, Al Weir, Al Calder, Kim Di Marzio and Roger Standen. Plus they were joined by one of the premier guards at that IV who played for Monash then in Neville Beer an honorary Trober of high distinction. Rounding out the team were distinguished ex IVers in Ivars Kepitis the most experienced and one of the most credentialed ballbouncers who first donned the singlet in 1970, Geoff Brown who played in 3 championship winning teams in the 70s and 80s plus Big Dick Morris a fine player in the mid to late 70s. Barry Schaffert rounded out the team as well as playing in the 45+ side and in a 55+ side. Another honorary Trober much admired for his efforts. All nine players showed some good form during the week.

For the 45+ side Joff Pretto was great in all the games and well supported by Barry Schaffert. Chris Parton and Mark Batros. The boys demonstrated their talent a number of times despite not playing competitive Ball in recent years and there were also good contributions from Paul Kennett and Gordie Spinks.

A huge thanks also goes to another honorary Trober, Anton Danilo who as a Macquarie player, discovered life as Trober at Hobart IV in 1976. Anton has attended all the Masters Games with La Trobe Uni as a team manager, scorer and drinking companion. A true Trober!

All in all, it was a fantastic week, thoroughly enjoyed by all and most are keen to front up again in Newcastle in 2007.

P.S. Joff's wife Sue Pretto won 2 gold and 4 silver medals during the week in Cycling(track and road) Biathlon and Triathlon - absolutely outstanding.