LAKERS MEN RETAIN COUNTRY TITLE IN A THRILLER.

Mount Gambier retained the SA Country Basketball Men’s A Grade title in a one point thriller over arch rival Eastern Hills, 52-51.

The Lakers men came much more focused and ready to play on in the finals series on Sunday after a rather inconsistent display on Saturday. They opened the Championships with a win over Riverland 55-42 but then went down to Port Augusta 24-43 and   Strathalbyn, 55-61.  

It was however a different team which hit the pine on Sunday. The Lakers defeated the Murray Bridge and Port Pirie teams, both of which appeared stronger on paper, to set up a repeat of the ’09 final against Eastern Hills.

The Hills got away to a strong start and had the Lakers playing “catch up” basketball.

As the match wore on the Lakers closed the gap and with a matter of seconds to play scores were locked together on 51 apiece. The clock showed 2.8 seconds when a Hills player fouled Simon Berkefeld in possession and sent him to the charity stripe. He shot truly for a 52-51 score-line. He then missed his second but Eastern Hills ran out of time to reply.

Coach Kym Hammond was ecstatic about the efforts and application shown by his players in these tough games. He was really pleased with the transformation from Saturday and felt that they “fought above their weights” in the finals and make it two in a row.

Members of the champion team were Kym Hammond, Simon Berkefeld, Matt Berkefeld, Tom Kosch, Daniel Peacock, Ben Brumby, Michael Stephens, Teagan Brown and Joe Ferguson-Lane.

The Lakers Women battled hard through a tough and evenly contested A Grade competition. Several of the Association’s top players were not available this weekend; nevertheless Coach Sonya Knight was pleased with the solid team efforts the players returned in each game.

The 4 point loss to Eastern Hills in their opening contest eventually cost the Lakers a place in the finals. Eastern Hills’ players sustained injuries as the weekend unfolded and were not therefore at full strength for consequent matches.

The Lakers scored a big win over Broken Hill and defeated Port Pirie by 4 but then lost to eventual winner Port Augusta by 8 and runner-up Riverland by 1.

Knight commended her players on their determined work throughout the weekend and made special mention of Sara Chapple’s classy performances.

The A Grade Most Valuable player awards went to Eastern Hills duo Cameron Edson and Leah Searle.

Mount Gambier Referee Ali Burch officiated in the Women’s A Grade Grand Final. Nick Matschoss of Bordertown was judged the Most Improved Referee of the Championships.