IT was a memorable Round 4 of action in the North West Country Basketball League (CBL) competition as both men’s and women’s sides hit important milestones midway through the season.

NORTH WEST MENS:

Five different CBL North West Men’s sides enjoyed wins in the five matches, as Swan Hill Flyers and Echuca Pirates both went 1-1 from their two matches. Maryborough Blazers and Bendigo Braves set the pace early, and it was the former that got up to go outright on top of the table, while Castlemaine Cannons and Bacchus Marsh Lions both recorded their first wins of the season.

In the top of the table clash, Maryborough Blazers came away with an impressive 24-point win, 68-44 over Bendigo Braves. Lachlan Drummond led the way with 17 points for the Blazers, while Darcy Bond (13), Harry Butler (11) and Jacob Lohmann (10) all contributed strongly. Lachlan O’Brien (12 points) and Trent Leech (11) were the key scorers for the Braves in the loss.

At the other end of the ladder, Bacchus Marsh Lions got on the winners’ list with a 75-57 upset on the road against Kyneton Tigers. Sharing the points around, Colby Pigott and Tyler Collins finished with 13 points apiece for the winners, while Daniel Jackson (12) also did well for the Lions. Kyneton’s top scorers were Thomas Scott (14), Matthew Quinn (12) and Dylan Tunn (11).

Castlemaine Cannons also picked up their first win with an impressive 12-point triumph over Swan Hill Flyers. Aidan Brohm (21 points) led the way throughout the 83-71 victory, well supported by Sam Beks (18), Lloyd Needs (12) and Rhys Brown (11). Henry Thompson (18 points) and Steven Bowden (17) were both strong in defeat for the Flyers.

The Flyers managed to bounce back on Sunday, knocking off the Echuca Pirates by 20 points, 68-48. Bowden (16 points) was again prolific, while Matthew Gardner (15) and Torben McFarlane (10) were also impressive. Staci Richardson (17 points), Liam Tenace (15) and Tyler Phillips (11) all reached double-figures in the Pirates’ loss.

The Pirates had picked up a win the day before however, toppling Mildura Heat by 15 points on the road. Phillips (19 points) led the team during the 59-44 victory, while Richardson (14) and Joshua Hutton (12) also hit double-figure points. Tarryn Shaddock (10 points) was the sole double-digit scorer for Mildura.

ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Castlemaine Cannons (83) defeated Swan Hill Flyers (71)
Kyneton Tigers (57) defeated by Bacchus Marsh Lions (75)
Mildura Heat (44) defeated by Echuca Pirates (59)
Bendigo Braves (44) defeated by Maryborough Blazers (68)
Swan Hill Flyers (68) defeated Echuca Pirates (48)

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NORTH WEST WOMENS:

In the CBL North West Women’s competition, Bendigo Braves remained undefeated after their second game, while Mildura Heat and Swan Hill Flyers both knocked off Echuca Pirates in their respective games.

In a bottom two clash, Swan Hill Flyers were able to secure their first win of the season over a fellow winless side, Echuca Pirates. The tight three-point win in front of home fans was thanks to the likes of Natasha Kelly (15 points) and Laura Anderson (10). Georgie Eishold (12 points) was the key scorer for the Pirates in the loss.

The day before the Pirates suffered another heartbreaking defeat on the road, this time to Mildura Heat by just six points. The Heat won 60-54, as Georgia Mayne and Demi Wall both knocked down 12 points apiece, while Ava Zadow managed 10. For the Pirates, Zara Pearson was a one-player show, racking up a round-high 28 points to make up more than half of the Pirates’ 54 points on the day.

In the battle between two undefeated sides, Bendigo Braves won by 24 points over Maryborough Blazers. Madeline Sexton scored a game-high 21 points in the 87-63 victory, while Sharna Appleby (13) and Piper Dunlop (11) both contributed in the victory. For the Blazers, Millie Cracknell (16 points) led the way, while Claire Constable (12) and Claire Blower (10) stood tall despite going down in the match.

ROUND 4 RESULTS:

Mildura Heat (60) defeated Echuca Pirates (54)
Bendigo Braves (87) defeated Maryborough Blazers (63)
Swan Hill Flyers (66) defeated Echuca Pirates (63)

Picture credit: Basketball Victoria