Warriors start emphatically

The Warragul Warriors men’s team began its Country Basketball League campaign in emphatic fashion, comfortably accounting for reigning premiers the Churchill Blue Devils 96-60.

Each Warragul player got on the scoresheet as the Warriors opened the season making a statement.

Ambu Uliando and Dwain Scott led the scoring with 22 points apiece, while Mike Santo (12) and Luke McKenzie also shot well.

It was a tight tussle early as Jordan Canovan and Jeremy Sheers helped the Blue Devils out to a four point lead, before Scott and Uliando both shot two pointers to wipe off the deficit.

Another two-pointer to Scott saw the Warriors edge ahead, before Canovan hit back with a big three-pointer as each side continued to trade blows early.

Scott hit the scoreboard again with another two-pointer, while S Flanders took full advantage of an unsportsmanlike foul.

Just as the Warriors looked like edging ahead, Canovan would hit back for the Blue Devils in a tight opening term.

Big three-pointers to Santo and Murray Myers established a buffer for the Warriors, who would remain in control for the remainder of the match.

While the Blue Devils were able to score intermittently, the Warriors’ ability to score in chains saw them take a comfortable lead in the second quarter.

Uliando scored four three-pointers for the quarter, while McKenzie added a three-pointer of his own as the Warriors went into half time with a commanding 54-32 lead.

The Blue Devils matched it early in the third term, but again the Warriors scored in succession to build on the lead with Uliando adding another three-pointer on his way for six for the evening.

Canovan and Jack Chapman scored late in the third term to pull the margin back, but the Warriors were still well and truly in control.

Canovan continued to score heavily for the Blue Devils, nailing a three-pointer in the final quarter on his way to finishing with 34 points, but the Warriors maintained control to win 96-60. Other results: Churchill Blue Devils 107 d Bairnsdale Bullets 75, Traralgon T-Birds 98 d Bairnsdale Bullets 55, Moe Meteors 74 d Sale Sonics 73, Traralgon T-Birds 85 d Sale Sonics 83, Moe Meteors 79 d Korumburra Wildcats 64.

Women’s: Traralgon T-Birds 106 d Bairnsdale Bullets 25, Moe Meteors 72 d Sale Sonics 44, Traralgon T-Birds 88 d Sale Sonics 45, Moe Meteors 67 d Korumburra Wildcats 57.

The Warriors men will look to continue their winning ways when they travel to take on Traralgon T-Birds on Saturday night with tip off at 8pm.

The women will begin their season following a bye in the opening round. They will also take on the T-Birds, who have made a dominant start to the season.

Senior football award winners were, from left Brad Scalzo (runner up best and fairest), Tom Kelly (most improved), Matt Rennie (most consistent), Brayden Fowler (leading goal scorer, 45 goals), Nick Mulqueen (Bobby Richardson rising star award), Nate...

Reserves football award winners were, from left Jamie Somers (leading goal scorer, 38 goals), Toby Fruend (best team player), Lucas Monacella (most consistent), Ben Mackie (best first year player), Tim Brady (best and fairest), Scott McIntosh (coach),...

A grade netball award winners were, from left Alex Cole (coaches award), Lexie Fenton (coach) and Jaime Rollinson (runner up best and fairest); Absent: Lucy Monahan (best and fairest).

John Mulqueen received the best club person award from president Chris Blackwood. Below: B grade award winners were, from left Maddy Stevenson (equal best and fairest), Grace Cant (coaches award) and Brooke Radford (equal best and fairest); Absent:...

C grade netball award winners were Meg Graham (equal runner up best and fairest) and Mackenzie Minichello (best and fairest); Absent: Georgia Lyons (equal runner up best and fairest) and Hannah McKenzie (coaches award).