THREE matches were played across the North West Country Basketball League (CBL) men’s and women’s competitions, with Kyneton Tigers winning both grades in the double-header against Echuca Pirates, while Maryborough Blazers got up in a huge victory over Bacchus Marsh Lions.

NORTH WEST MENS

In the standalone game in Maryborough, the Blazers won 82-49 against the Lions at the Maryborough Sports Leisure Centre to be the standout top team thus far. The Blazers have a percentage of 172.73 per cent ahead of fellow underrated side Bendigo Braves (133.33), while Bacchus Marsh is at the other end of the table, yet to taste victory. Meanwhile Kyneton’s win over Echuca was important as it kept the Tigers in contention to go 2-2 for the year, levelling with Echuca from four games, and sitting comfortably in the mid-table.

In the Blazers’ win over the Lions, Lachlan Drummond finished with 21 points in a match-high effort, but was one of four players to notch up double-figure points. Brady Neill (19 points), Darcy Bond (16) and Harry Butler (16) all played well in the win, while for the Lions, Anthony Bowyer (11 points), Daniel Jackson (10) and Tyler Collins (10) were the crucial scorers.

In Kyneton’s 17-point victory over Echuca, Iggy Spiller topped the scoreboard with 19 points in the Tigers’ win. Jai Everitt (16 points), Carson McSweeney (15) and Matthew Quinn (12) also caused headaches for the Pirates, while Staci Richardson continued his remarkable season with a match-high 28 points, while Kaaran Richardson (14) and Tyler Phillips (14) both contributed strongly.

ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Maryborough Blazers 82 defeated Bacchus Marsh Lions 49
Kyneton Tigers 81 defeated Echuca Pirates 64

—

NORTH WEST WOMENS

In the sole game of the North West Women’s game, Kyneton Tigers got the win in a five-point thriller over Echuca Pirates. The Tigers moved to a 3-1 record thanks to the victory, and whilst they have played two more games than any other team other than last placed Swan Hill Flyers, have a healthy 3-1 record as it stands. The Pirates remain in fifth place with an 0-2 record thus far in season 2021.

Michelle Fletcher (21 points) was huge for the Tigers in the victory, while Jessica Mangan (17) and Alexandra Strawhorn (11) both did well. Amelia Jarvis (eight) contributed well, whilst for the Pirates, Zara Pearson was a one-person shooting machine, dropping 24 points in the loss, as Georgie Eishold contributed 10.

ROUND 3 RESULTS:

Kyneton Tigers 71 defeated Echuca Pirates 66

—

Picture credit: Basketball Victoria