Waratah ABL Men
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Parramatta Wildcats
In the most anticipated game of the weekend, bitter rivals Manly and Parramatta would face of for the men’s Waratah title. The Wildcats got off to a great start and opened up a handy lead early on. Led by point forward Graeme Dann and point Luke Martin, Parramatta held off a late Manly surge to lead by 4 at the first break.
Parramatta 22 – 18
The Wildcats continued their great play in the second, with the margin blowing to double digits midway through the quarter. But just when the Sea Eagles looked shot, league MVP Ben Arkell took over, hitting consecutive threes and a few other driving plays to get Manly back square. However, a Goran Veg three point prayer just before the buzzer gave the Wildcats the lead again. At the main break, it was Parramatta by 3.
Parramatta 46 – 43
The Wildcats again got out to another strong start fighting off every Manly challenge. The Sea Eagles hit three deep bombs and got the crowd off their seats. Luke Martin again was rock solid, as was centre Goran Veg with several driving dunks. A Karl King three at the buzzer closed the Wildcats gap to just 3.
Parramatta 80 – 77
The high-scoring, high-level of play continued in the fourth, in what turned out to be the most thrilling and exciting game of the finals weekend. In a classic shootout, Sea Eagles star Ben Arkell was brilliant, scoring 38, while Wildcats guard Luke Martin also scored 38. Manly would see their first lead of the game in the fourth, but it was the Wildcats who held their nerve, taking out the title in a Waratah classic, by 5 points.
Parramatta 109 - 104
Defensive Player of the game: Goran Veg - Parramatta
MVP: Luke Martin – Parramatta
Waratah ABL Women
The Spiders got out of the gates early and opening up a handy lead behind star guard Alicia Poto. The Bruins produced a run of their own and behind great play from outside player Sarah Hately and centre Jaime-Lee Samuels fought back to take the lead at the first break.
Spiders again started the quarter great and Poto continued to dominate on the offensive end, scoring and assisting on several back-to-back plays. Behind that run and her 15 points the Spiders edged ahead by 8 at the main break.
Hornsby 42 – 34
The Spiders continued their momentum in the third and Bankstown just seemed to be saving their worst game for the most important one. With everything seemingly going against the Bruins, they were struggling to keep in touch. At the final change it was the Spiders in control by 13.
Hornsby 66 – 53
With their season on the line, the Bruins just had no answers to stopping Alicia Poto, who was simply incredible. With several Bruins guards fouled out trying to stop her, the former Australian player scored a game high 46 points, leading the Spiders to a comfortable 23 point win.
Hornsby 90 – 67
Defensive Player of the Game: Jaimee Kennedy – Hornsby
MVP: Alicia Poto – Hornsby
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