A SMALL group of supporters travelled to Melton on Saturday night to watch the Warriors take on top-of-the-ladder Melton Thoroughbreds.
It was a nervous start with both sides missing easy shots and racking up the fouls. Melton seemed to settle first and lead five to three before the Warriors rattled of some great shots including three 3-pointers to lead at the first break 22 to 15. The second quarter saw the Warriors continue with their good form to stretch the lead out to 13 points before late in the quarter Melton started to apply some full court pressure and force the Warriors into sloppy passes and further foul trouble. Adam Connelly received his fourth foul with three minutes remaining in the half leaving point guard duties to Dale Taylor. Alastair Granger was left to run the team and try to contain one of the league top scorers Matt Deppeler.
The Warriors went in at half time with a slender 35 to 31 lead. The start of the second half saw the Warriors going to the line for four foul shots due to some undisciplined actions from the Melton coach on the half time siren. Unfortunately the Warriors were only able to score from one of them.
Melton came out firing in the third quarter and were playing a very physical game but each time they looked like taking the lead the Warriors were able to steady and regain the initiative to lead at three quarter time 59 to 56.
The last quarter looked to be set for a titanic struggle as both sides were determined to get the points. As the tussle continued the Warriors were able to steady the ship and go ahead every time it looked like Melton would get the advantage. With four minutes left the Warriors were lading 79 to 72 but Melton were not finished as they continued to press on. With 30 seconds on the clock they trailed by a mere three points. Unfortunately for them Pakenham had possession of the ball and the Thoroughbreds were left with no alternative but to foul on every possession and send the Warriors to the foul line where they were able to score a total of five points to go out worthy winners 90 points to 82.
Bill Winder was outstanding for Pakenham with 32 points and 14 boards while Leon Stapley had 13 points including three 3’s. Sandro Santo had 13 rebounds and Alastair Granger hit 11 points. Next weekend the Warriors head to Mildura for a double header against the undefeated Mildura Heat in what is a critical weekend for the Warriors.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 12 boys
The under 12 boys played against Kylsyth 3 and needed to win to consolidate their position in the top five which they were able to do going out winners 42 to 32 and be equal second on the ladder
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 14 boys
The Under 14’s were looking to get back on the winner’s list with two close losses over the past two games. The game was fairly even throughout the early part of the game with Mitchell Allen (6 points), Lucas Handley (6) and Liam Malcolm (4) having good first halves on the scoreboard and allowing the warriors a five-point lead at half time. In the second half, the Warriors stepped it up a notch, and with Liam Tyrell (5) and Lauchie Birchell playing excellent defensive games, it allowed for a lot of fast breaks where Matt D’Arcy (16) and Clarrie Dipnall (8) finished off in attack. Some excellent team play in the last five minutes particularly by Chandler Eliezer (2) and Isaac Munns (11) ensured a strong, well deserved 26-point victory to the Warriors.
Final score Pakenham 61 defeated Southern Peninsula 35
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 16 boys
The under 16 boys lost to Hawthorn 29 to 33 which left them evenly poised with two wins and two losses and holding on to equal third with four other teams
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 18 boys
The Warriors 18 boys travelled to Broadmeadows for their round four game. First half was even passed game with the Warriors taking a 6-point lead to half time against some much bigger bodies. Broadmeadows came out hard in the second half and went from six down to eight points up. The Warriors boys worked hard and chipped away at the lead to draw level in the last minutes. The Warriors then hit a three and then stood strong in their defence to win Broadmeadows 44 to Pakenham 47
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 14 girls
Played Frankston on Friday and were hard pressed from the very start of the game. While the girls are trying hard they do need to focus on their defence as they are allowing teams too many easy baskets. Offensively they need to be a little more patient and work on their structure they are even for the season with two wins and two losses but do need to focus to improve their ladder position.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:Under 16 girls
Both girls’ sides had convincing wins over Sherbrooke and Sandringham which sees the top age girls undefeated on the top of the ladder while the bottom age girls are in fourth position with two wins and two losses
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:U20 Girls
The under 20 girls played Western Port at Pakenham on Friday night. It was a low scoring first half with Western Port’s accurate shooting a highlight. Western Port leading at half time 19 to nine. The game opened up more in the second half with the Warriors starting to score more freely. It was a tightly contested second half, with the Warriors outscoring the opposition. Megan Tolley having a great game scoring 18 points. Western Ports more accurate shooting being the difference in the end running out winners 40 to35. Erin Ludwick 8 points, Jacinta Hussey 4 points, Madelyn Mills 3 points and Katie Cornish 2.
