AN 18-10 third frame proved decisive as the Eltham Wildcats got the job done over the Nunawading Spectres in Round 9 of the VJBL Under-18 Boys VC Watson division when the two sides clashed over the weekend.

The two sides have been around the mark this season, and put in good performances the week prior. The Wildcats were coming off a 19-point win over the Knox Raiders 2 in Round 8, while the Spectres were fresh off a draw with the Melbourne Tigers in the same week in a thrilling finish to the contest.

The evenness of the matchup was evident for much of the game, before the Wildcats came out of half-time swinging, en route to a gutsy 10-point triumph at Montmorency Secondary College on Friday night.

It was a tight start to the contest in the first quarter, with both sides looking to push the ball inside and assert dominance inside. It resulted in some excellent end to end action and strong actions inside the halfcourt. The margin never reached more than three points, and it was a tied match at 20 points apiece at the first change after Nunawading’s Alexander Mabbott nailed a pair of free throws on the eve of quarter time.

The second quarter was just as closely contested, with the two sides going back and forth in a hot start to the period. However, the Wildcats looked to get their noses in front, with the home side jumping out to a four-point lead, which was significant in the context of the match. Despite a strong few minutes from Eltham, it was the Spectres who finished the quarter strongest, turning their deficit into a three-point buffer at the main change.

The Spectres pushed their lead out to four points early in the third term, before a three-pointer from Ryder Cleary. However, from there it was all Eltham, with the Wildcats completely taking control of the match on the back of consecutive triples to turn the game on its head. When Bodhi Stratford nailed a three-pointer of his own, it stretched the lead out to seven points in a decisive third frame.

A hot start from the Wildcats stretched the lead out to double-digits as the game began to get away from the Spectres. Every time Nunawading tried to inject some life into the game, it was immediately answered down the other end from the hosts, with the Spectres not getting any closer than eight points in the final few minutes as Eltham held on for victory.

Liam Burns was immense for the victors, particularly in the second half when his side snatched the momentum, finishing the game with 21 points, which was the most of anyone on the floor. Just behind him was Noah Singh, who had 20 points of his own.

It was a team effort from the Spectres, who had four players post 10 or more points despite the loss. Mabbott, Ryda Devers and Spencer O’Shea all poured in 11 points, while Charlie Wilson rounded out the double-digits scorers with 10 of his own.

ACROSS THE COURTS

The Diamond Valley Eagles held on for a six-point win over the Melbourne Tigers at Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre after holding the visitors to just four points in the third term, which was enough to hold on after a late charge from the Tigers.

The Kilsyth Cobras were 12 points too strong for the Pakenham Warriors at Cardinia Life Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Friday night, building a strong lead in the first half and holding on after the Warriors improved after the Warriors improved after the main change.

Geelong United put in an emphatic performance in their win over the Dandenong Rangers at Beyond Bank Arena, getting the job done by 20 points after taking control of the match after half time in a powerful turnaround.

Finally, 26 points from Lucas Byrne was enough to see the Ballarat Miners claim a 16-point win over the Knox Raiders at home at Selkirk Stadium in Round 9, with the young gun proving unstoppable on the offensive end.