OVER the weekend, the Big V Women’s Championship held its fifth round of play across Victoria. After a break over the Easter weekend, the league returned with a bang, with four games taking place on Saturday night. There was plenty to play for, with the ladder beginning to take shape as the season reaches the one-third mark of the fixture. One of the most interesting matchups coming into the round was the clash between Sunbury and Wyndham at Boardman Stadium, as it was set to have a fair say on the standings by the end of the round.

The two sides were separated by just one win coming into the round, with the visiting side one triumph ahead after four weeks of play. It was shaping up to be a cracking contest, as the teams have both displayed some high quality basketball to start the season. However, Wyndham proved far too strong for all four quarters of play, dominating on its way to a 28-point victory.

The win was set up by a terrific performance on the offensive end from Lauren Jones, who was the most damaging player with ball in hand in any game across Round Six. She tore apart the Sunbury defence on her way to 30 points and five rebounds, but was also active on the defensive end with five steals.

First Quarter

Jones first got involved in the scoring after drawing a foul and draining both free throws. After a change of personnel on the court, she remained in the play, and took advantage of a Sunbury defensive lineup that wasn’t quite settled just yet and drained a three. Another long range shot followed, as Jones closed out a nice opening term and Wyndham took a six-point lead into the first break of play.

Second Quarter

After a slow start to the second term, Jones got going a few minutes in, scoring five consecutive points as Wyndham’s lead extended in rapid fashion. However, a quiet period followed, as Jones’ side moved the ball through a number of different contributors. Wyndham went into half time with a 17-point lead, on their way to a big win and a move up the standings.

Third Quarter

Jones started the second half in style, draining another three and making sure Wyndham didn’t lose any momentum after the main break. She got her rhythm going from behind the arc, constantly eluding the Sunbury defenders and finding space beyond the perimeter. Jones drained another two shots from downtown by the time the third period concluded, well on her way to a great offensive showing.

Fourth Quarter

Jones began the last term as she did the third, nailing a long range shot and keeping Wyndham’s offence rolling well. Her knack for drawing fouls continued for the entirety of the game, remaining aggressive and forcing the contact from the Sunbury defence. After racking up a couple of steals, Jones ran the transition brilliantly and it resulted in yet another three-pointer. One more jump shot came in the next couple of minutes and Jones led her side to a powerful victory and second spot on the ladder.

Across the courts

McKinnon (56) def. by Bulleen (69)
Southern Peninsula (58) def. Hume (48)
Chelsea (60) def. by Pakenham (84)