AFTER sitting atop the standings in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) VC Ashe Division at the end of Round 2, Sandringham will be looking to maintain top spot heading into another weekend of action. However, they face a tough task in Bulleen 1, who have also started the season undefeated from their two outings. With both sides battling for a perfect record after three rounds of play, expect some high-quality basketball when the two teams lock horns at Sandringham Family Leisure Centre on Friday night, in the first match on the schedule.

Sandringham vs Bulleen 1
Friday, March 25 @8:20
Sandringham Family Leisure Centre

Friday night’s matchup consists of two of the competition’s three strongest sides heading into Round 3, in the most anticpated schedule on the cards for Friday night. Only one team will finish the round in the top two on the ladder, so neither squad will be holding back in a clash that will separate the contenders from the pretenders.

Sandringham managed to sneak past the second Bulleen team in Round 2, claiming a thrilling five point win on the road to climb to the top of the ladder. They will be eager to stay at the head of the table moving forward but have to face a formidable opponent in the third week of action. Crucial to their fortunes in the upcoming match is their ability to score at an explosive pace, as it has served them well in their two wins. Last week, it was a big second quarter burst that gave Sandringham a slight edge over the opposition, so if they can replicate or even improve their offensive output, then good luck stopping them. Keep an eye on the duo of Jaida Reid and Hannah Wickstrom, as they both delivered 20 points in last week’s win.

Bulleen 1 was also able to chalk out a win last Friday night, taking down Knox to the tune of 13 points at Mullum Mullum Stadium. It wasn’t a dominant showing by any means, but the home side was able to outwork their opponents for most of the match, and it resulted in a spot in the top three heading into Round 3. Bulleen 1 absolutely has an uphill battle ahead given Sandringham’s powerful Round 1 showing which saw it tear apart the opposition, but they have been fantastic themselves to start the season, and will be quietly confident heading in. Lily Carmody and Tabitha Betson poured in 18 points each in last week’s win, so expect the ball in their hands quite a bit. There will be some serious offensive firepower for both teams in what is shaping up to be the match of the round.

Around the courts:

There are still nine other matches set to take place around Metropolitan Melbourne, and if the first two weeks of play are anything to go off, there will be no shortage of excitement for fans to enjoy. With three rounds in the bank, the season’s strongest sides will likely be asserting themselves as the ones to beat for the 2022 campaign. The schedule for Round 3 has some big clashes that will likely change the landscape of the competition moving forward.

VC Ashe

Keilor vs Altona, 9:40pm, Keilor Stadium
Frankston vs Bulleen 2, 9:40pm, Frankston Basketball Stadium
Waverley vs Gippsland United, 9:40pm, Waverley Basketball Stadium
Knox vs Broadmeadows, 9:40pm, Knox Basketball Stadium

VC Watson

Ballarat vs Wyndham, 8:00pm, Selkirk Stadium
Hawthorn vs Diamond Valley, 9:20pm, Boroondara Sports Complex
Nunawading vs Eltham, 9:40pm, Nunawading Basketball Centre
Dandenong vs Casey, 9:40pm, Dandenong Stadium
Melbourne vs Kilsyth, 9:40pm, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre