The West Adelaide Bearcats have pulled off a stunning finals charge, coming from fourth place and knocking off Forestville, Central Districts, and now Norwood, to make the 2014 Grand Final.

The Bearcats defeated the Flames at Mars on Saturday night by 13 points in a remarkable comeback, winning 80-67.

After a very low scoring first quarter, Norwood took the reins with a 6-point lead at the first break. The intensity and pressure was high as both sides found it tough to shake of the nerves and truly get into the game.

A quick 8-2 run extended the Flames’ early lead to 11 points at the start of the second quarter, but West hung on in there, only allowing Norwood to have a 4-point lead at half time (31-27). Andrew Webber accumulated 11 first half points for Norwood, while Tristan Braithwaite was doing his part for West with 10 points.

Though Norwood had the momentum at the main break, it was the Bearcats who came out and turned the tables in astonishing fashion, recording a 14-point turnaround in the third quarter. Their 15-29 quarter, led by Blake Truslove under the basket, saw the Flames fall apart and lose their superiority which they had shown greatly all game. With a quarter to go, West Adelaide led by 10 points (56-46).

However it wasn’t going to be easy to knock over Norwood, as they charged back into the match. Norwood reduced the game to a 5 point margin with 5 minutes to go, rightfully making it anybody’s game for the taking. But with a Grand Final spot on the line, the Bearcats didn’t let anything stop them, stepping up once again and essentially running away with the game.

West Adelaide managed a game-high lead of 14 points in the late stages of the game before the final buzzer ended a horror night for the home side; securing West a 13 point victory, as well as a ticket to the 2014 Grand Final.

Braithwaite finished with 21 points for the Bearcats, alongside Truslove’s huge effort of 18 points and 15 rebounds. Jason Dawson also had an effective night, ending with 14 points, 9 boards and 6 assists. Andrew Webber was top scorer for the Flames with 16 points, while teammate Matthew Lycett was impressive, notching up 11 points with 17 rebounds.

West Adelaide will take on the awaiting Woodville Warriors (who defeated Norwood in the Second Semi Final to proceed) in the CABL Grand Final, which will be held at the Adelaide Arena on Saturday 30th of August at 8:15pm.

Sam Tugwell