Saints fend off Gators to enter bye 2-0

IT was far from a convincing performance on the court at the Shepparton Sports Stadium on Sunday, but the Saints emerged triumphant from their CBL clash with the Gators 50-47. Shepparton game out in force, taking a two-point quarter time lead over the shellshocked Saints, before Myrtleford knuckled down defensively. The Saints conceded just the four points in the second quarter, while they challenged the Gators offensively to head into half-time ahead 23-20. Myrtleford worked into the game well and, despite some tough opposition from Shepparton, kept pace in the second half to maintain the winning margin. Coach Kory Batt said while it was far from their best possible performance, he’d take the win any day. “We were going over there with confidence after last week’s game, but we knew Shep are always a tough opponent, especially going over there,” he said. “They did seem a bit flat to start off with. It was just a mixture of things, shots weren’t dropping, Shepparton was able to get through our press which last week was a big factor in us getting the win. “We just didn’t gel like we did the week before, and being a whole new side that can happen. It just wasn’t our day, but it was good to come away with the win.” While the new-name Saints contributed well, the bulk of the scoring came from established Myrtleford players Evie Hughes and Paige Zamperoni, who combined for 25 of the side’s 50 points for the match. “There were some good things, Evie Hughes had a really good game both defensively and on offence,” Batt said. “It is good that we’ve got a good mixture of different people who can step up if someone is having an off day. “We had the new girls come in last week and have a really good impact, now this week the veterans are stepping up.” The Saints will take the next two weekends off with byes, which Batt said would be well utilised. “We’re 2-0, so it’s a great start to the season,” he said. “A few got banged up on Sunday, they’re a bit sore, so two weeks break is perfect for us. “We’ll get on the court, get some good training sessions in and come out the other side and keep going. “It’s going to be tough coming out against Albury after the break, but we’ve got to be confident going into it.”

Saints fend off Gators to enter bye 2-0

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