Fourth placed Roos upset undermanned League leader Bulldogs by 2 points in the feature game of the SECBL last Wednesday night. Bulldogs suited up without three players, starters Stephen Sochacki and Josh Jenner, along with Matt Jennings. The result was decided in the last 12 seconds when Jimmy Fleming broke the deadlock from the foul line to make a final score-line of 77-75 in Roos’ favour.

Bulldogs appeared to be in control in the first quarter and led 25-12.

Roos narrowed the margin to 5, 34-39 at half time, through the efforts of Mony Makuer, Fleming and promising junior Brodie Jolley. Bulldogs however increased the margin to 12 at the final break. The final ten minutes belonged to Roos even though Bulldogs are renowned for finishing games strongly. Makuer, Jolley and elder statesman Mark Bachmann compiled 22 points and at the same time held opponents to a meagre 8. Top scorers for Roos were Mark Bachmann 26, Mony Makuer 23 and Jimmy Fleming 11. Matt Berkefeld led the scoring for Bulldogs and finished with a game high 29. Simon Berkefeld had 23 and Lachlan Hunter 13. 

Panthers easily accounted for Millicent, 99-64 in a high scoring affair. Dellon Brown on 31 points, Tyson Kettle 18 and Jak Ryan 17, led a strong offensive team effort. David Todd returned to the pine for Millicent and led the scoring with 20 points. Ben Wilson and Josh Murphy were again consistent with 19 and 16 respectively.

Panthers-Wizards had to work hard to get over the line against Cougars. The final margin was 10 points on the back of a 37 point haul from Brad Rathjen. Chris Mason and Ben Brumby complemented Rathjen’s stellar performance. Leading scorer for Cougars was Kane deWit.

Roos Women’s team is the only undefeated side in the winter season SECBL. Magic hosted Roos last week in a game marked by both sides being below full strength. The standout performance in this contest came from State junior Rachael Hines, who bagged 28 points of her team’s total of 52. Consistent contributors Olivia Fuller (12) and Alana Winter (11), led the way for the home side.      

Tenille Gray’s impressive performance set up Cougars’ comfortable win against the improving Bulldogs. She scored 26 points and was well supported by quiet achiever Casey Horrigan with 16 points and Sara Smith on 12. Cougars led by 8 at quarter time and extended the margin to 17 at the main break. Bulldogs matched Cougars in the second half resulting in a 19 point margin, 72-53, at the final whistle. Ebony McDiarmid, on 16 points, and Madisyn Freeman on 17, were solid for Bulldogs in the second half of the game.

Unfortunately Panthers Women had to forfeit to Millicent Cats because of players missing through illness and school commitments. 

After the first of three rounds of the winter season, Roos, Magic, Cats and Cougars fill the top four places on the Women’s Premiership table, while Bulldogs, Panthers, Panthers-Wizards and Roos head the Men’s table.