Saints, Sharks the best of rivals
Leagues intense Southland’s jostle are Sharks defined between is by adding Wellington’s their rivalries the gloss Saints and to and the the National Basketball League.
The two clubs who have split the last six championships between them, and are odds-on to meet again to decide a seventh later this season, clash for the first time in 2019 in what should be an Anzac Day spectacular in the capital.
They are both 2-0 for the new season and feature rosters stacked with Kiwi and Australian talent that seems destined to have them at the pointy end of proceedings again this season.
Between them they boast eight Tall Blacks and three who have worn the Boomers colours and all eyes will be on the roundopening clash at the TSB
Arena to see which club stakes the first title claim
for the new season.
Saints have started
the season the more impressive, Paul
Henare’s side rolling past the Bay Hawks (106-79)
and Southern Huskies (87-60) at home with a
minimum of fuss.
On the other hand, the Sharks made hard work of a first-up 95-92 victory
over the Canterbury Rams and then a 100-91 success at the Nelson Giants.
But with such well-matched rosters and such a special recent history, both coaches are anticipating another exciting chapter being added tonight. The Sharks hold an 8-7 edge in the last 15 matchups between the two clubs dating back to 2015, including three grand finals and one semifinal.
The southerners have won the last three, including last year’s final by just two points, and the Saints five on the bounce prior to that.
‘‘We have a lot of respect for them and we know we will be in for a battle,’’ said Saints coach Henare. ‘‘We are continuing to build our on-court chemistry which has been exciting to watch in such a short time. We’ll need everyone to contribute to get over the line in this one.’’
Added Sharks coach, and former Henare assistant (at the Breakers), Judd Flavell: ‘‘We have upclose-and-personal experience with many of the Saints roster and are well aware of their strengths. The matchups have the potential to be outstanding and this is a great measuring stick to see where we are at.’’
Neither club is short of firepower. Saints will look to MVP favourite Nick Kay to lead them with
‘‘We have a lot of respect for them and we know we will be in for a battle.’’ Saints coach Paul Henare on the Sharks
his busy, bustling game, but have capable backup from Shea Ili, Reuben Te Rangi, Rob Loe, Jordan Ngatai and Leon Henry.
The Sharks have a trio of established Aussie gunners in Mitch McCarron, Todd Blanchfield and Jarrad Weeks, and big Alex Pledger, Tom Vodanovich and Tai Wynyard to provide the Kiwi polish. The Saints will want it up-tempo with the ball in Ili’s hands a lot, the Sharks will be happy to have the pace a little more deliberate, though they have Weeks if it goes run-and-gun.
The other games for the round should see the Giants account for the Jets in Nelson tomorrow night, Tasmania’s Huskies look to open their account in their first home game against Jeff Green’s Rangers on Saturday and the Rams hoping the edge has been taken off the Saints when they host the Wellington boys also on Saturday.
The Hawks visit the Mountainairs on Sunday to close out the round, looking to bring up their third victory of the season.