CBA Winter Club Basketball Grand Finals Day Saturday 21^st September

By Club Basketball Correspondent: Bruce Martin, with the aid of Richard Kenny, Sarah Waldron, Dan Chan and stats extraordinaire Sharon Erwood and her sidekick Anna.

Photo kindly supplied by AJ van Hasselt.

Contributions from clubs with stats and copy were appreciated and used whenever possible throughout the year.  Email: bruceymartin@hotmail.com

Grand Finals day a huge success with loads of spectator support all day

Atami regained the Men’s Premier grade basketball championship in an exhilarating win over a very determined University of Canterbury side with two three-point bombs from the veteran NBL player, Nathan Hyde, in the closing moments bringing Atami back to eventually win 73-70.  Atami has now made 12 appearance in 13 Grand Finals since 2001, winning six titles, the nearest previous ones were in 2008/9/10.

University of Canterbury had a very good Grand Finals day as it retained both the Women’s Premier and Women’s Under 20 titles, making it seven wins from eight appearances in finals for the Women’s Premier team but it had to defeat the Patron’s trophy winner Halswell, coming from behind in the fourth quarter to win 54-47. University Women’s Under 20 team defeated Rangi Ruru comfortably 76-45 to retain its title.

 

The Grand Finals day was a qualified success with many action-packed games and was a triumph for the Gators club that took out all seven finals that the club qualified for. A new innovation this year was having Finals for the All Stars tournament between teams selected from the four Development programmes about the city in Cowles stadium (East Wolverines), Bishopdale YMCA, Pioneer Pacers and Wharenui Gators, which was forced to use Manning Intermediate, Middleton School Hall and the Middleton Grange gyms after the closure of the Wharenui stadium. Gators won all four finals in both the boys and girls the Yr 5/6 and Yr 7/8 age groups (details below).

The Club Finals went well for Gators too with Middleton Grange Gators school teams putting out the defending champion’s Burnside High school in both the Men’s Under 20 (82-57) and Under 17 (77-69) grades. Buoyed on by the success of its junior sides in the morning, then the Gators Men’s Under 23 team outplayed a lack-lustre Lincoln University 79-47 leaving with a 15-1 record this season and became another new champion since at least 2009.

Royals re-claimed the Women’s Division one title, beating Minties 48-36 while the two oldest rivals in the Men’s Division one competition went head to head. Wolverines had a strong finish to re-claim the title it won in 2009 from fellow club side Placemakers Wolves, winning  64-54 after Placemakers Wolves had captured the title four times in the previous five finals.

All-Stars Grand Finals

A clean sweep by Gators

One shining light in the All Stars competition has been Isiah Morris for Gators (Yr 7/8 Boys). Isaiah slotted a valuable 28 points as Gators thumped Bishopdale YMCA 70-46. Watch out for Isiah as he progresses through the grades and Canterbury coaches were already spotted scouting throughout the day.

A closer encounter in the Yr 5-6 Boys saw Gators ahead 24-17 at the turnaround through the efforts of Zach Hannen while Bishopdale YMCA held its own in the second half, Gators eventually prevailing 43-31.

In the Yr 7/8 GirlsPioneer under developing coach Lance Henderson made a strong start against Gators, leading 12-9 at the first break through the efforts of Emily Stewart (14) but Gators came back strongly through the efforts of Sophia Kennedy (15) and Megan Ellis (16) going to the turnaround ahead 24-16. Pioneer made a 13-9 run in the final quarter but Gators defence held out to win 44-38.

In the Yr 5-6 Girls Fia Laikong amd Marlia Faitaua-Nanai, whose brother was to feature later for Gators U17 and U20 sides, carried the game early against Bishopdale YMCA but, after Gators led 39-26 at three-quarter time YMCA came back strongly but ran out of time with Gators prevailing 47-44.

Results were:

All Stars Yr 7-8 Boys Final: Gators 70 (Isiah Morris 28, Jonte Britten 10) Bishopdale YMCA 46 (Nathan Louis 14, Hsin Chen 8). HT: 31-17.

Referees: Bailey Spooner and Lia Chapman.

All Stars Yr 5-6 Boys Final: Gators 43 (Zach Hannen 16) Bishopdale YMCA 31 (Caleb Cottem 8). HT: 24-15.

Referees: Hamish Dale and Aki Tanaka.

All Stars Yr 7-8 Girls Final: Gators 44 (Megan Ellis 16, Sophia Kennedy 15) Pioneer Pacers 38 (Emily Stewart 14, Rachel Pullan 11). HT: 24-16.

Referees: Bailey Spooner and Lia Chapman.

All Stars Yr 5-6 Girls Final: Gators 47 (Fia Laikong 22, Marlia Faitaua-Nanai 14) Bishopdale YMCA 44 (Hannah Michewski 18). HT: 25-18.

Referees: Hamish Dale and Aki Tanaka.

Men’s Premier Championship FINAL

Atami threatened closely by Varsity, claiming its 8^th title since 1992 winning 73-70

University’s long term, Coach Piet Van Hasselt, had his team riding a crest of the wave, having finished bottom of the Premier grade in the Hoben trophy round and increasing its performance weekly. UC put out the 2011-12 defending champion Checkers in the final round robin encounter to claim fourth qualifying spot and then proceeded to dispose of Wolverines 77-56 in the semi’s. With the team getting behind its inspirational leader Marty Davison it carried the game to the slower starting veteran side. Atami through the efforts of Matt Campbell while Richie Howell led Atami to level 18-18 at the first break. Sam Dobbs (MVP), showing the coolness of his recent American experience, lifted the Atami effort in the next period and with support from Rusty Thompson and Paul McFarlin, Atami pulled clear to lead at the turnaround 36-28.

Campbell brought the large crowd to its feet as he fired in five treys in the third-quarter, three back to back as University grabbed a 51-46 lead but Dobbs (22 points) replied to leave Atami trailing by one until Campbell hit his fifth, a buzzer beating one and the students back in front 59-57.

Atami kept it close and with around four minutes remaining Hyde stepped back outside the arc to release two mighty three-pointers for Atami but the quick thinking Davison soon levelled the game 69-69. 80 seconds out after Campbell had missed with several more three point attempts. After Howell had sunk a crucial basket, Hasselt had his team foul to stop the clock to gain possession in the closing moments but the highly experienced Atami rode out the pressure with player-coach Ash Rees nailing two charity points to seal the title for Atami.

Atami will be expected to be the fore again next season but it will have to do without the services of Paul McFarlin who is reportedly heading to the UK later this year for his big OE for a couple of years and no word yet whether the Howell brothers, Scott and Ritchie will front again and it was hard work to drag the big man Nathan Hyde out of retirement.

Scorers were:

Atami 73 (Sam Dobbs 22, 5R, Ritchie Howell 14, 7R, Nathan Hyde 13, 5R, Paul McFarlin 9, 6R) University 70 (Matt Campbell 25, 8R, 5A, 5ST, Brent Fisher 13, 5R,  Daniel Pau’u 12, 5R, Sam Crozier 11, Marty Davison 7, 6R, 7A). HT: 36-28.

Most Valuable Player of Final: Sam Dobbs (Atami).

Referees: Raewyn Willocks, Matt Bathurst and Raelene Forde.

Women’s Premier Championship FINAL

University claims another title beating the favoured Halswell 54-47

In a game of changing fortunes, Halswell looked to be on target for its first title since 2006, leading the first quarter 16-12 but the perennial champion University with a much changed line-up came back strong in the second to lead 29-23. Halswell shot more accurately in the third going to a 42-37 lead by the third break but the students tightened its defence to shut out Halswell in the last period. University landed an incredible 14 free throws in the final phase to Halswell’s five and the only basket was a triple pointer to New Zealand U17 rep Laken Wairau for the students as she recorded 17 points, eight rebounds and five steals.

Wairau had to get special leave from the final NZ U17 training camp before the side heads to Melbourne very shortly. West Coast representative Charlotte Elley who joined University mid-season, put in another strong showing for University with 14 points and seven rebounds and was chosen MVP of the finals.

 University Head coach Sarah Waldron adds a few comments

I was Head Coach probably all but 3 games all season I think. The start of the year feels like last year but Dene (Robinson) moved to the West Coast just before the season kicked off. 

What an awesome 4th qtr eh. Apart from two field goals from Laken the rest was a free throw feast. Thank goodness I focused on that every training.

Anyways the win, for us, it was youth vs experience with 8 of our team 19 or under so we were impressed with the girl’s composure and ability to cope with the changing defence that we asked them to play. The team played with determination and showed real mettle especially in that last quarter where free throws were made & defensive boards were held to take the lead and keep it to win.

 Referee extradonaire Richard Kenny who was watching the game closely, sent in his report. Thanks Richard

For the last seven years University have been the dominant Women’s Premier team in Christchurch with two 3-peats either side of a lost Grand final in 2009 but early this season the seemingly unbreakable hold that they had on the competition was shaken with injuries to key players (including it’s captain Wildcat Pip Connell) and it would’ve been easy for a lot of people to think that a chink had appeared in their armour. An 8^th straight final gave a chance for a relatively new look and younger University team to cement their side’s place as a great side and prove the doubters wrong. Meanwhile for the challengers and Patron’s Trophy winners Halswell, it was a chance to strike while the iron was hot and show everyone else that University can be beaten, that they aren’t invincible. The stage was set for what would be a great and intriguing final.

Canterbury Wildcat Lori McDaniel started as a woman on a mission for Halswell as she shot a long two to give her side the first points in the contest. It went blow for blow early before Bridget Salkeld nailed a big three-pointer to give Halswell a 13-7 lead midway through the term. Tessa Burry for University & Canty Wildcat Cecilia Zambrini then traded “basket and 1s” before some inspiration again from McDaniel (playing the game of her life) as she drove hard for the ball desperate for Halswell to keep possession of the lead. Quarter time and a 16-12 lead to Halswell with Zambrini on 7 points.

McDaniel was again in the action early in the 2^nd as she made a big time rejection on NZ U17 representative Laken Wairau but University responded as Ashleigh Fane converted on a fast break to tie the game at 16 all. Both sides scoreless for five minutes, Zambrini stepped up to the charity stripe and converted the pair to break the drought. Wairau then converted a huge three-pointer to put the students ahead for the first time in the match and inspiring a 7-0 run. Former Wildcat Marinda Van Vuuren then finished off some great hustle and a team steal by Halswell but they seemed to be missing their chances as University finished the quarter stronger with a 13-5 run that was capped off by a stunning, off-balance shot by the consistent Charlotte Elley. At half time Varsity led 29-23.

Another former Wildcat, Anna Williams drove hard and well to score early for Halswell in the 3^rd, followed up by a big 3 to Emily Baker as they went on a 9-1 run to tie the game. Just as they were seemingly gaining control, Wairau (the big moment player) again stepped up hitting the dagger 3 to stop the run. Jess Baker then beat the shot clock for the ladies in green before Bridget Salkeld hit a three to put them back in front. University veteran captain Rossana Katene then steadied the students as she scored off a nice pass by Nia Baker before McDaniel scored the last five points (including an “and 1”) of the quarter to give Halswell the lead 42-37 at three-quarter time. The students had been outscored 8-19 in the 3^rd and a thrilling finish was in store.

The final quarter was an intriguing war of defence and fouls as neither team could find the hoop except from the free-throw line, in fact 32 free-throws were taken by both teams in the last quarter with 19 converted and University claiming the majority of the scores and attempts but failing to really ice the game when they could’ve blown it out to 10 points. It wouldn’t matter for the students especially when Wairau again stepped up hitting the only successful field goal of the quarter from beyond the arc with 3:15 to go to really make it their game to lose. As the time ticked down Halswell were forced to rush and foul and with five seconds remaining Charlotte Elley, who played a magnificent consistent game to earn her Final MVP honours split her pair to give University the win by 54-47.

An all-round game by MVP Elley of 14 points (4/9 FG & 6/8 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist & 2 steals was well supported by Wairau, with 17 points (4/11 FG 3/5 3PT 6/10 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 assist & 5 steals and by Katene with 6 points 10 rebounds.

For Halswell, McDaniel almost willed her side to victory with 14 points, 9 rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal, whilst Emily Baker, Jess Baker and Cecilla Zambrini all provided support with 7 points apiece, Jess Baker also had 6 rebounds.

Halswell will probably rue their missed opportunities but while University celebrate a 4-peat in this their 8^th consecutive final, the questions on everyone’s lips is “Can this team be beaten?” and “How do we beat them?”

 Scorers were:

University 54 (Laken Wairau 17, 8R, 5ST, Charlotte Elley 14, 7R) Halswell 47 (Lori McDaniel 14, 9R, Jess Baker 7, Emily Baker 7, Cecilia Zambrini 7). QT Halswell 16-12. HT: Uni 29-23. 3/4T: Halswell 42-37.

Most Valuable Player of Final:Charlotte Elley (University).

Referees: Jonathan Coker, Raghav Pratap and Dave Fortin.

 

Men’s Division One FINAL

 Wolverines comeback in the final quarter to upset Placemakers Wolves 64-54

Two old rivals fought the Division one men’s final with customary determination and no quarter given basketball. With the four Costley brothers maintaining a formidable defensive ring Wolverines were forced to the outside shot with Carl Willocks splashing three triples and another from Earl Rickard to go ahead of the Wolves 35-24 by half-time.

John McDonald, the youngster in the Wolves pack got inside the Wolverines defence, slotting 13 points while commanding the boards with 17 rebounds and five blocks while Gareth Costley chimed in with another 13 points as Wolves came back with their customary charge against the old foe. Wolverines quickly shut down the Wolves danger man Fraser Costley, limiting him to just seven points with Wolves closing the gap quickly but still trailing 42-48 by the last break.

Such was the intensity of the battle, both sides began to lose players on five fouls and after clocking up an MVP performance with 21 points including four treys Carl Willocks limped from the court with a torn Achilles. Graham stepped up to slot several more three’s as Wolves threatened and he too sustained a leg injury late in the game but Wolverines rode out time to claim its title it last took from the Wolves in 2010, beating fellow side Wolfpack in the final, the other four previous titles having been claimed by Placemakers Wolves.

 

Jamie Graham, Wolverines super coach, chief cook, bottle washer and hotshot sent in his report on his sides win over fellow side and arch-rival Placemakers Wolves 64-54.

The Wolverines Div 1 boys put together their best performance of the season to outclass the defending champion Wolves in the 2013 Div 1 final 64 - 54 to reclaim the title it won in 2010. The boys had a simple game plan, defend like our lives depended on it! And defend they did as they held the Wolves to a season low 54 points. Wolverines new Superstar Carl Willocks (21pts) was in sensational form as he torched the Wolves defense scoring at will until an unforseen accident had him taken from the court, later to be determined as a torn achilles. The rest of the boys had to pull together and finish off what Carl had started and they didn't let him down as they soaked up the Wolves pressure making huge baskets as time ran out. It was a huge team effort.

The boys wish to thank veteran Coach Vicky Hudson for all her commitment and hardwork.

 

Scorers were:

Wolverines 64 (Carl Willocks 21, Jamie Graham 13) PlaceMakers 54 (John McDonald 13, 17R, 5 Blocks, Gareth Costley 13). HT: 35-24. 

Most Valuable Player of Final: Carl Willocks (Wolverines).

Referees: Raelene Forde and Sharon Erwood.  

 

 

Men’s Under 23 Championship FINAL

Gators regain U23 title thumping Lincoln University Bulls 79-47

Gators regained the Men’s Under 23 championship that it lost to Checkers in 2012 with a very determined 79-47 win over Lincoln University Bulls

Lincoln, third placed qualifiers put out North Canterbury in the Quarters, then in a gritty effort disposed of second placed Wolverines with an impressive 87-72 win in the semi’s but lacked its usual intensity in the final, well outplayed comprehensively by a fired up Gators 79-47.

Dan the Man Chan sends his report on Saturday’s action in Cowles stadium.

U23 Mens’ Final – Gators v Lincoln University (79 – 47)

Gators demolished a valiant Lincoln University by a whopping 32 points, thanks to a massive second half effort; the final score 79 – 47.

Although given the underdog status, the Lincoln Bulls came out with grit and determination early, matching Gators bucket for bucket and took a narrow two point advantage after the first quarter. Electric point guard Aled Jones (11 points, 4 steals) made it look easy early on, with a handful of mid-range floaters over the opposing taller timber, while Isaac Williams, nicknamed by his peers as Stretch, (9 points, 11 reb, 4 blks) proved handy on the glass, which earned him a number of trips to the charity stripe. The second quarter was another tight affair, this time Gators taking a 3 point lead into the half time break, ahead 28-25.

However, it was all Gator Nation after the break as the Bulls ran out of steam, and the lack of depth soon became apparent. Gators took out the third quarter by 18 points (26 – 8) as they ran an intense full court press which took Lincoln by surprise, leading to some costly turnovers. The ever consistent Nick Erwood was shut down effectively by the efforts of athletic swingman Jozef Knottenbelt, who not only forced Erwood into tough looks, but also dominated on the offensive end, dropping no less than 5 treys on his way to a game high 21 points. Along with Knottenbelt, 6’5 three man Kaye McKee (14 points, 11 reb, 5 blks) and Finals MVP power forward Alex Jellie (7 points, 15 rebounds) both had standout performances.

Heads dropped in the Lincoln camp by the fourth, as not even a determined fight from versatile swingman Raghav Pratap could savage any respect as he contributed a feisty 7 points and 5 rebounds in a short 13 minute stint on court. The Gators continued to pound the hapless Bulls outfit throughout the final ten minutes, largely in part to the efforts of lefty forward Tom Mulvhill (11 points) who sliced his way easily to the rim.

It was a class performance by the Gators, even due to the rare non-performance of star point guard Chris Duthie (1/14FG, 12 reb), as they dismantled the Bulls with excellent defensive rotations holding the Lincoln boys to some dismal shooting statistics. It was a deserving way to end the season, as they finished 15-1, and also a great send off to the core of the team, who are set to part ways after this year as they graduate from university.

Scorers were:

Gators 79 (Jozef Knottenbelt 21, Kaye McKee 16, 11R, Thomas Mulvihill 11, 7R, Alex Jellie 7, 15R) Lincoln University 47 (Aled Jones 11, 4ST, Isaac Williams 9). HT: 28-25.

Most Valuable Player of Final: Alex Jellie (Gators).

Referees: Marty Davison, Scott Harris and Sun-Lim Suh. 

 

Men’s Under 20 FINAL

 Middleton Gators hit the court running, pounding Burnside 82-57

Zach Lilburne led Middleton Grange Gators by example, probing the defensive weakness of the defending champion Burnside High, playing without the National U17 rep Shou Nisbett who was at a final training camp before departure for Melbourne, Australia to play in the 2013 FIBA Oceania Qualifiers staring Thursday.

Lilburne, later named MVP of the final, glided through Burnside’s defence with ease, slotting six baskets in the opening quarter with support from the gifted Amosa Faitaua-Nanai who stole many a wayward Burnside pass or enabled a number of turnovers. By the first break Gators where in command, leading 24-10 and 37-17 by the turnaround before the tall leaping Jahnim Campbell got into action for Burnside, grabbing numerous rebounds and crashing the tight Gators defence at the other end. It wasn’t to be Burnside’s dream of a double repeat at it only managed 22-63 (35%) against Gators 38-87 (44%) from the floor.

Josh Coard and Oliver Fairbrother toiled long and hard for Burnside too with David Davidovski and Alex McKenzie striving hard but Burnside’s shots would not drop.

Burnside made a small inroad to the lead in the third-quarter, trailing 62-36 by the last interval but the game was gone. Gators opened the lead to 29 points just after the final break, leading 68-39 while giving its long bench more court time.

Ihaka Pink took up the pace after Lilburne was rested on four fouls, adding a hard-earned 17 points and five rebounds with his advanced skills while Peter Mclean and Johny Suddens made valuable efforts for Gators and carry them to a well-earned victory.

Burnside Coach Joe Hammond was disappointed after the loss but was expecting better luck next year with the majority of his young charges returning for another year at school.

Scorers were:

Middleton Grange Gators 82 (Zach Lilburne 18, 9R, Ihaka Pink 17, 5R, Peter McLean 14, Jonny Suddens 11, 5R) Burnside HS 57 (Jahnim Campbell 23, 7R, Josh Coard 18, 8R, Oliver Fairbrother 13, 5R). HT: 37-17.

Most Valuable Player of Final: Zach Lilburne (MG Gators).

Referees: Scott Harris, Sandra French and Sam Dixon.

 

Boy’s Under 17 FINAL

Middleton Grange Gators Green edges out Burnside White

Referee extradonaire Richard Kenny sent in his report. Thanks Richard

One had the sense that from the opening jump ball that this game was going to be a real tough and close battle between the two best sides of the U17 competition for 2013. The defending champs Burnside, looking at holding their end of a double repeat for the school, going against the ‘so near, yet so far team’ of the last few years, Middleton. After a slightly nervous start by both teams, Amosa Faitaua-Nanai drew 1^st blood for Middleton three minutes into the contest. From there it was blow for blow basketball for the 1^st quarter as both teams would have bursts of free-flowing basketball but neither could break free as they would be tied at 16 a piece at the first change, Sam Riley (8 pts for Middleton) & Han Gil Jeong (6 for Burnside) the leading scorers, whilst Oliver Fairbrother was resolute in defence early picking up a few blocks.

Coming out of the 1^st change Burnside looked the stronger, as Kyle Louis hit the bomb from long range to spark an 8-2 run to Burnside forcing coach Bobby Morris to call a timeout for Middleton. It seemed to stir them into life as they started gaining the upper hand. Riley drew a charge and Sam Lees started to get hot as he hit eight consecutive points for the Gators. Burnside however refused to be shaken off as they limited the damage to a 33-29 deficit at the half.

The 3^rd quarter again produced a tight and physical affair as Middleton kept answering every challenge Burnside threw at them. Sam Riley continued to provide the Gators with spark as he hit from 3-point range not once but twice. Captain Oli Fairbrother, Blake Alps and Kyle Louis keeping Burnside in the hunt however Middleton would go into the last change up 53-46.

Burnside found another gear early in the last as they started with an 11-3 run to hit the front for the 1^st time since the opening quarter with Fairbrother and Louis continuing to hit their shots. Had the Gators been broken? Were the Gator-wobbles of the last few years starting to strike? According to Sam Lees, no they weren’t as Mr. Ice Cool found range nailing two baskets and then hitting what would prove to be the game-clinching three-pointer with minutes remaining to give Middleton a 65-60 lead and that lead they would not relinquish. Burnside were forced to foul to stop the clock but Middleton hit their shots from the charity stripe and won the game 77-69 breaking the Gator-wobbles of the last few years.

Final MVP Sam Lees led the way for Middleton with 25 points (13 of which came from a blistering final quarter, Sam Riley would cash in 22 pts, Amosa Faitaua-Nanai 17 and Barclay Miller for 9.

For Burnside Kyle Louis (22 points), Oli Fairbrother (18 points and I think 4 blocks) tried hard to will their side to victory and Blake Alps (13) and Han Gil Jeong (11) showed great support in a losing cause.

One of the best finals of the day and a great pleasure to referee it.

 Scorers were:

Middleton Grange Green 77 (Sam Lees 25, Sam Riley 22, Amosa Faitaua-Nanai 17) Burnside White 69 (Kyle Louis 22, Oliver Fairbrother 18, Blake Alps 13, Han Gil Jeong 11). HT: 38-29. 

 Player of Final: Sam Lees (MG Gators).

Referees: Richard Kenny and Mitchell Penny.

 

Women’s Division One  FINAL

Royals reclaims the Division One title beating Minties 48-36

Royals set the bench mark all season long and took the WD1 final in its stride, helped greatly by an MVP performance from Jo Casey with 20 points and a host of rebounds.

Casey led Royals with early baskets while National Women’s rugby rep Amiria Rule replied for Minties as Royals led 11-10 at the first break.

The whole Royals team lifted in unison as Royals increased the margin to 27-16 before Estelle Uren unleashed numerous baskets to give Minties a glimmer of hope, closing the gap to 26-33 by three-quarter time. Royals rode out the pressure in the final period, pulling clear to a 48-36 win and regain the title they last held in 2009

 

Pina Lissaman sends her report:

Minties definitely brought a bus full of supporters to cheer them on in their long awaited finals against Royals. Luckily the game was delayed as two of their starters Estelle and Amiria had a big rugby match and made it in time for the tip off!

The game started off slow with great defence by Minties stopping two main scorers from Royals, Pina Lissaman and Candice Costley from their usually effective scoring dominance.

Jo Casey (Royals), on the other hand was unstoppable on the offensive boards and led both teams in scoring and rebounds. Her consistently good play rightfully earned her the title of Finals MVP.

Estelle, Laura and Amiria took it hard to the rim and kept it close for most of the game but Carol Davison and Mel Gold came through for Royals and contributed some well earned points to help edge away from the strong Minties side.

Royals have not lost a game the whole season and are now CBA champions for Division 1 Women's. Congratulations on a great year Royals and to all the other players from other clubs.

 

Scorers were:

Royals 48 (Jo Casey 20) Minties 36 (Amiria Rule 11, Estelle Uren 10). HT: 27-16. 

 

Player of Final: Jo Casey (Royals).

Referees: Richard Kenny and Dave Fortin.

 

 

Women’s Under 20 FINAL

University repeats its WU20 title beating Rangi Ruru 76-45.

University with a fresh young side this season, all of its player Under 15 bare one, pulled away early to a 23-11 lead by the first break through sound team work and nine members contributing to the scoreline.

Tessa Peck toiled long and hard, finding small openings in the students defence as she helped Rangi Ruru keep in the game. After trailing University 21-44 at the break Lottie Eglington found some gaps in the University defence, slowing the momentum but after the third rest the flood gates opened again and University pulled further away. Teenage rep Zapphire Wairau topped the sheet for University with 13 points while Esra McGoldrick and Rosie O’shea added 10 apiece but the rear court work of Paige Williams impressed the observers to award her the MVP title.

 

Scorers were:

University 76 (Sapphire Wairau 13, Rosie O'Shea 10, Esra McGoldrick 10) Rangi Ruru 45 (Tessa Peck 12, Lottie Eglinton 11). QT: 23-11. HT: 44-21 (21-10). 3/4T: 58-33 (14-12). FT: 76-45 (18-12).

 

Player of Final: Paige Willman (University).

Referees: Bruce Martin and Jasmine Andrew