Warragul Warriors played a “Super Sunday” double header against Sale Sonics at the Warragul Leisure Centre in round three of the CBL.
Kicking off the afternoon, the Warrior women put up strong opposition against Sonics before falling short 6752.
Coming into the contest with two wins and two losses, Warriors would have liked their chances against the winless Sonics.
It was an even first quarter, 16-all, before Sale secured a narrow four-point lead at half-time.
The Sonics didn’t let up, outscoring Warriors in the third to lead 47-39 at the final break.
With three players fouled off, Warriors ran out of legs as Sonics won 67-52.
Isabella McEwan played a strong game to top score with 13 points, with Molly De Silva and Brooke de Riter both chipping in nine points in what was an even spread for Warriors.
For Sonics, Jemma Birss top scored with 22 points with Ashley Centra scoring 15 before being fouled off.
The Warriors made their return to women’s CBL action with a 84-35 win over Southern Peninsula Sharks in round one. They followed it with a 49-59 loss to Moe, 99-50 win over Southern Peninsula, and 57-70 loss to Korumburra.
They are currently sixth on the ladder.
Warriors have the bye in round four and will next play at Maffra on Saturday, October 29.
Their male counterparts had a very different game, easily accounting for the Sonics 105-62.
The Warriors simply outmuscled the young Sonics team all game, leading by 17 at quarter time, 39 at half-time, and 41 at the last break.
Experienced Jarryd Moss and youngster Riley Morehu led the way with three pointers in a high scoring first quarter. Sonics refused to allow the margin into double figures in the early minutes. However, the Warriors’ work rate continued and, in the blink of the eye, they had opened a significant 3417 lead at quarter time.
The Warriors’ bigger bodies took over in the second. Despite Sale’s Harper Fraser intercepting some ball and his teammate Jake Hutchins breaking the lines, they were no match for Warriors in a 27-5 second quarter.
The big margin allowed Warriors to spread court time in the second half, with both teams taking some time to settle with some missed shots to kick off the second half.
Warriors won both the third and fourth quarters 22-20. Sonics put in a valiant effort but Warriors had done the damage in the first half.
Moss top scored with 22 points, with Jordan Gooiker impressive with 18, Morehu shooting 15, Jayden McMillin chipping in with 11 and Michael Bridgman backing up some strong rebounding with 10.
After making last year’s grand final, Warriors have had a mixed start to the season but are now on a winning steak as they work to up their game.
They opened the season with a 90100 loss to top team Moe, followed by a narrow 94-99 loss to Southern Peninsula. However, a confidence building 73-71 win over Korumburra followed.
They now sit seventh on the ladder. In round four, Warriors will play Morwell Magic at Latrobe Leisure on Sunday at 1pm.
Warragul Warriors player Shanara Notman defends against Sale Sonics.
Photographs by AMANDA EMARY.
Left: Elloise Campbell shoots for Warragul Warriors aduring “Super Sunday”. She finished with eight points.
Sale Sonics player Jemma Birss wrestles Warragul Warriors player Dominique Potter for the ball in CBL action in Warragul on Sunday.
Sonics won the contest, 67-52.
Waiting for the free throw are Sale Sonics’ Tara McInnes and Warragul Warriors’ Brooke De Riter during a good CBL contest on Sunday.
Warragul Warriors’ Jasmyn Short drives down court against Sale Sonics on Sunday.
Above: Warragul Warriors’ Molly Da Silva defends the drive of Sale Sonics’ Tayli Dimarco at Warragul on Sunday.
Hannah McKenzie heads to the basket for Warragul Warriors.
Refusing to give up the ball are under 10 basketballers Phoebe Roberts of Drouin Hearts and Mckenzie Trimble of Bunyip Spirits.
Photographs by AMANDA EMARY.
Bunyip Spirits player Mckenzie Trimble attacks the defence of Drouin Hearts player Chloe Creely in the under 10 division as the Warragul district junior season begins.
Bunyip Spirits player Sophia Rea takes a free throw as Drouin Hearts player Ivy McCallum and Sophia’s teammate Lara Briggs watch on.
Playing for Drouin Hearts in the under 10s, Ivy Hamilton (left) provides backup for Ivy McCallum on Thursday night.
Drouin Hearts player Adelaide Davies takes aim in the under 10 game at Bellbird Park.
Drouin Hearts player Philippa Biorci looks happy to be back on court during round one.
Drouin Hearts player Jade Cornelissen dribbles down the court on Thursday night.
Drouin Hearts player Ivy McCallum takes aim for a free throw on Thursday night.
Bunyip Spirits under 10 player Mabel Todaro looks for a teammate.
It was a picturesque day at the Warragul North tennis courts during the singles match between Warragul Purple’s Miller Ireland (left) and Drouin Gold’s Jonah Pallot (right).
Page 64 WARRAGUL AND DROUIN GAZETTE October 18 2022
Drouin Gold’s Jemilah Michau-Hyde gets on the move as she winds up her backhand. Photographs by AMANDA EMARY.
Warragul Purple’s Miller Ireland prepares to hit a backhand in the singles.
Harvey Osborne is a picture of concentration as he gets ready to rip a forehand for Warragul Purple.
Drouin Gold’s Jonah Pallot stretches for a forehand.
Warragul Purple’s Nash Olsson serves.
Photographs by AMANDA EMARY
Left: Hallora’s Brittany Roberts stretches across the court as she gets ready to hit a backhand.
Below: Karen Piner’s one-handed backhand comes to the fore as she runs to get the ball back for Hallora.
WARRAGUL AND DROUIN GAZETTE October 18 2022 Page 65
Neerim District’s Greg Jones watches the ball’s trajectory after hitting a forehand.
Elijah Ryan strikes a backhand for Neerim District in their match against Hallora.
Hallora’s Grant Walker looks to hit a backhand slice in his doubles match.
Hallora’s Brad Roberts keeps his eye on the ball as he prepares a forehand.
Neerim District’s Anu Bhangu prepares to launch his forehand.