Eagles Crush Lions in ANZAC Day Clash
A terrific first quarter by Forestville set up a massive 51 point victory over Central Districts at home on ANZAC Day. The Eagles were far too strong for the winless Lions, who played catch up all game. After a disappointing loss to Sturt less than a week prior, Forestville came out firing.
A 29 to 2 first quarter all but ensured that the Eagles would walk away from the match as winners with the majority of the game spent in the Eagles’ front court as they capitalised on their scoring opportunities. As the quarter progressed, it was looking more and more likely that the Lions would end the quarter scoreless, however thanks to a last minute basket to Dayna Roberts the Lions were on the scoreboard.
Forestville’s passing and decision-making could not be faulted and their defensive pressure was too much for the Lions who finished the game with 31 turnovers. The Eagles swooped, scoring 33 points from turnovers compared to the Lions’ 4 points.
Jess Fergus was one of the stars of the match for the Eagles, scoring a game high 24 points and adding six rebounds, two assists and four steals. She was a dominant force in the team and her defensive pressure resulted in a number of baskets.
Olivia Thompson was another shining light for Forestville and was instrumental in their first quarter domination, scoring 12 points. Thompson showed her pace and athleticism and ended with a total of 21 points, four assists and a game high 15 rebounds.
Tamika Dukes was promising for the Lions, driving most of their attacking play. Dukes was Centrals highest scorer with 13 points but the pressure from the Eagles was even too much for her, with 9 turnovers to her name. An incident late in the first term saw her doubled over in pain, missing all of the second quarter. Luckily for Lions fans she returned to the court in the third.
Brianna Wedding was Centrals’ second highest scorer with 8 points, four rebounds and an assist and was the only Lion to make a three. Caitlin Arnold crashed the boards hard for the Lions with a total of six rebounds.
Unfortunately for the Lions the 27 point blow-out in the first quarter was just the beginning as the Eagles continued to extend their lead throughout the match.
Forestville Eagles 87 (Jess Fergus 24, Olivia Thompson 21, Tara Robinson 9)
Central District Lions 36 (Tamika Dukes 13, Brianna Wedding 8, Casey Banwell 3)
By Samantha Thomas
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