The Ringwood Hawks had a day to forget on Sunday afternoon after losing their second game in a row and looked like a frustrated group as they left the court.

It was a top of the table clash against the Knox Raiders and the game had plenty riding on it as the Finals are now just around the corner. Things started well for Ringwood as they grabbed the early lead and looked almost like they could blow the game away. The lead stayed close to ten for most of the first half and the Hawks had control of the game.

Things changed quickly though early in the third quarter as the Raiders increased their physicality and the Hawks started to turn the ball over. The Hawks tried to go in to their big players where they had a height advantage but the Raiders were able to hack at the ball and create turnovers. The frustration was visibly building on the faces of the Hawks whose offense had dried up.

Late in the third quarter, Ringwood Coach Ken Harrington was awarded a second technical foul and was ejected in a controversial exchange with one of the referees. The stunned and bemused Coach left the game but the Raiders continued to grab hold of the contest and a seven point lead at three quarter time.

The offensive flow just would not return for the Hawks whose big guns Mike McCahey and Matt Fennell combined for just 6 makes from 26 attempts. Despite the issues, the Hawks still managed to make a late run and drew to within three points with one minute remaining in the game. Unfortunately though, the Hawks missed some crucial shots close the basket and the Raiders escaped with a big win.

“We have had some injuries and some illness over the past few weeks but we really are not playing well at the moment.” Assistant Coach Damien Smith said.

“We must adjust to how the game is being called and increase our aggressiveness if we want to be relevant come Finals time.”

The loss has cost the Hawks top spot on the Big V ladder, now occupied by the Raiders but the Hawks still may have a chance of finishing in the all import first or second spot. They must first take care of business next Saturday at Broadmeadows against the Hume City Broncos.

“They are dangerous and are capable of scoring big numbers.” Smith said.

“Hopefully we will have a good week of practice, tidy up a few things and get back on the winners list.”

RINGWOOD HAWKS 89 (Gibson 16, Snowball 15, Latham 13, McCahey 12) lost to Knox Raiders 83 . (Hare 24) at The Rings.

 

Watch a replay of the live stream, including the woman's curtainraiser here.