Bruce Makes Picks For Our Finals' Day

Canterbury Basketball Grand Finals day at Cowles stadium Saturday 19th September 2015

 

Bruce’s Grand Finals day picks

CBA Basketball Grand Finals day starts off with the annual All Stars Boys and Girls grades in both Yr5/6 at 8am and Yr7/8 at 9.15am. Go along to support many of our future Rams and Wildcats.

The Men’s Premier grade has been the closest contest for many years with all seven teams capable of a win on any given day. The MP Grand final (7.30pm) has the highly experienced Atami, led by Ritchie Howell, pitted against Hoben Trophy winner Wolverines.

Atami has made 14 Grand Final appearances in the last 15 seasons and, after a mid-season slump, has come through the play-offs in top form but will be stretched by the Jamie Graham coached Wolverines. Wolverines do not have the youthfulness experience of Taylor Britt who has gone to USA to further his education but will look to former Ram Lionel Hopgood and the lively Mike Kinley to get through and a slim chance of a double.

 

The Women’s Premier Grand final (5.45pm) sees the first timers North Canterbury up against another long term finalist University of Canterbury. It’s hard to look past University to take this one having won seven out of its nine Grand final appearances since 2006 and is in top form over the play-offs. University upset North Canterbury to claim the Patrons trophy while North Canterbury have led both competitions. In the play-offs University put out defending champion Lincoln University.  North Canterbury  while missing four key players including the skilful Mary Goulding in USA, their teamwork and enthusiasm of their Rangiora High school players has it in with a chance.

In the Men’s Under 23 (12.30pm) it’s hard to look past defending champion Lincoln University Bulls which is undefeated this season and meets Wolverines which has had a mixed season this year.

My other picks are.

Men’s Under 20 (2.15pm). Defending champion Burnside High playing in its fourth Grand Final should beat University of Canterbury.

Burnside HS Black is on track to achieve a double for Burnside in the Boys Under 17 grade (10.45am) and they achieved that in 2012. Standing in its way is the well-coached and determined top qualifier Rangiora High school team. On semi-final performance Burnside has the edge.

Boys Under 15. 12.30pm This development grade Grand final is between Cashmere and Wharenui Gators. They have a win and loss each in pool play but Cashmere are on top of its form so has a narrow advantage.

Men’s Division One:  Atami which knocked out long term champion Placemakers is favoured here to beat  2Cheap Cars formerly  Pilipinas Askals but bring Ear plugs as it will be a noisey Grand final at 4pm

Women’s Division One: 4.00pm Another team that you cannot look past to win this one is Royals.  Royals, champion in 2009 and 2013, are unbeaten this season and disposed of defending champion Minties in the semis and will play University in the Grand Final.

Women’s Under 20. Without three times champion University in the grade this season Burnside high is top qualifier and favoured to beat Rangi Ruru but it will be close at 10.45am.

Girls Under 16.2.15pm  Rangi Ruru are delighted to have two teams in Grand finals but should be too strong for Checkers but Checkers did upset Wharenui in the play-offs.




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