SANDRINGHAM Sabres have kept their winning streak rolling in the Big V Youth Championship Women’s postseason, sending the Dandenong Rangers out in straight sets with a nine-point win over the weekend.

The Sabres came into the clash having won their elimination clash against the Casey Cavaliers last weekend, and were facing off a Rangers side that was convincingly bested by the Melbourne Tigers in a qualifying final, setting up Sunday afternoon’s matchup at Dandenong Stadium.

Despite being further down the highway in enemy territory, the Sabres managed to put together one of their best performances of the season, winning three of four quarters to book a clash with the Kilsyth Cobras in the prelim.

Dandenong Rangers (67) def. by Sandringham Sabres (76)

It was a seriously even start to the game, with the two teams going blow for blow in some exciting back and forth action that saw proceedings tied up at 10-10 midway through the term. However, a 10-4 run from the Sabres to close out the frame proved decisive in the momentum of the match, allowing the visitors to take a six-point buffer into the main change and plenty of confidence as well.

After a bit of a stalemate to start the second period, the Sabres found plenty of success driving inside and either finishing at the cup or drawing contact and converting at the free throw line. Although the Rangers were fighting tooth and nail to stay in the contest, another late burst from Sandringham saw the away team lead by 12 points at the main break.

The third frame was Dandenong’s most productive, with the Sabres’ offence drying up a bit, which allowed the Rangers to get the margin back within single digits. Sandringham was restricted to just 13 points for the quarter, and the home side was able to cut the deficit down to just nine points at the final change and remain a chance with 10 minutes to play.

After an offensive burst from the home side to start the final frame, the Rangers were back in business and within three points with just under two minutes on the clock, having erased the deficit with rapid-fire offence. However, the Sabres took control of the match in the last 90 seconds of play, closing out proceedings on a 6-0 run to keep their title hopes alive and eliminate the Rangers.

Bailey De Forest led the way for the victorious Sabres, posting a team-high 18 points to go with six rebounds on 8/15 shooting from the field, with all of her makes coming close to the basket. She paired well with Sierra Woolhouse, who had 16 points of her own on 7/14 shooting as the pair delivered on the big stage.

Despite the disappointing result for her Rangers, Tiedore Puoch can still hold her head high, having done as much as possible to get her side into the prelim final. She posted a whopping double-double of 21 points (the most of any player in the match) and 11 rebounds in a towering display.

Across the courts

There was just one other match to take place over the weekend, with the Keilor Thunder also claiming a semi-final win over the Altona Gators when the two sides locked horns at Keilor Basketball Stadium. In that clash, Hayley Courts was terrific for the victors with 26 points, while skipper Macey Boyle stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.