By Kieren Vartuli

Woodville Warriors 100 | Forestville 67

Both the Warriors and the Eagles took to the hardwood on Saturday night. The Warriors (5-2) were looking to build on their 5 game streak while the Eagles (4-3) wished to close the gap between their opponents and themselves.

The Warriors were able to gain control early by putting in work on both ends of the floor to see a strong 11-0 run from the opening tip. Nelson Kirksey took little time to widen his box score with a pretty steal in the passing lane and finishing with an emphatic dunk igniting the crowd early. Despite their commanding lead early on, the visiting eagles were able to heat up from the field nailing two consecutive three’s and continuing on an 11-2 run to bring them right back in it. The first quarter belonged to the home side, as they were ferocious on the glass tearing down offensive boards giving them the second chance opportunity. The Warriors held the lead at 25-17 at the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Warriors were able to get inside the paint for baskets and Forestville were becoming very accurate from deep. Despite this, the Warriors were able to control the quarter by out-hustling on the glass and through solid defence. Forestville worked hard for their points from the field but unfortunately this wasn’t enough for Forestville to stay within a couple points as they finished the half down 12 (43-31).

Coming out of the half, the Eagles showed signs of determination by cutting the margin down to 9 after Trent Fildes finished a 3 point play. Woodville’s Darren Ng put in a solid performance with some flashy handles, a nice assist and a difficult fade away jumper from deep 2-point range. Interior defence appeared to be a big problem for the visitors too as Woodville’s Luke Stanbridge carved up on the inside finishing with 11 FG totalling 22 and adding 4 points from the line. Any attempt of a comeback appeared gone after the third as the Warriors outscored Forestville 28-15.

During the last term, the Eagles showed some good signs of heart playing hard despite the nearing blowout. Offensively, the Eagles were using their screens efficiently finding the open man with some nice ball movement. They also made Woodville work for every point as they were sending them to the line to earn it. Woodville didn’t take their foot off the gas, as it appears they wanted to make a statement to the league. Through boxing out and tearing down both offensive and defensive boards the Warriors took home the win with the final score at 100-67.

Round 9: Saturday, 7 May at 8.15pm

Forestville Eagles v Central Districts Lions @ Wayville

Woodville Warriors v Southern Tigers @ St Clair