Saints prove too good for rival Warriors

MYRTLEFORD’S men continued their flawless start to the Country Basketball League season at home on Saturday, comfortably downing fierce rivals Wangaratta Warriors 84-73. With the stands at the Indoor Sports Stadium heaving with supporters, the Saints shot ahead with a five point lead at quarter-time, before advancing even further to be up 50-42 by the half. A third quarter domination by the home side kept the pressure on the Warriors, and while a personnel change meant Wangaratta won the final terms by six points, the Saints’ lead was simply far too great to overcome. Key play-maker Tyler Barker was nigh unstoppable going for goal, finishing with 25 points, while last round’s top-scorer Ryley Bouker also shot well with 19 points, with five from three point distance. Coach Sam Gebauer said it was a clinical display from the Saints in challenging circumstances. “It was a very intense game, probably one of the most intense games I’ve been a part of as a coach,” he said. “Similar to the Wodonga game, we were in control for the majority of it, and the only times I felt we weren’t in control, I didn’t think Wangaratta were – it was a stalemate, a power grab, and we just constantly grabbed it back. “We had a great third quarter, and when we came out in the fourth we really struggled in foul trouble. “It was a very whistle-heavy game, and that affected both teams heavily. “We just walked into the fourth quarter with two players with four fouls and the rest of the guys had three. “It was about trying to manage the minutes – the heavy minute-getters that had dominated most of the game had to spend a bit of time on the bench in the fourth, but ultimately the guys pulled it together.” The home crowd definitely helped the Saints control the game, with the juniors getting around the CBL side. “We got all the juniors there; asked them all to wear their uniforms and gave them all a spot right next to the bench,” Gebauer said. “They were chanting, they got behind the bench during time-outs, they put their hands in. “It was just a great home environment, and I’m blessed to be a part of it. “I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the support and structure around Myrtleford’s CBL.” The Saints face a true test of skill this Sunday, hosting Benalla Breakers who are tipped to be a championship contender. For Gebauer, it’s personal. “Obviously being from Benalla, I have a relationship with every single one of those guys in that team or I’ve played alongside at one point, so I feel that gives us an edge,” he said. “I think Benalla is the team to beat this year – they’re looking very, very strong and they’ve had some huge wins. “I feel like I understand their game at a level where I know how to stop them. “We feel confident in our game plan and we do feel like we can topple the giants.” Myrtleford takes on Benalla this Sunday from 2pm at the Myrtleford Indoor Sports Stadium.

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