Tough debut for Eaton’s new women’s side
It was a tough Bunbury Basketball Association initiation for new women’s A-grade side Eaton, who were thrashed 77-21 by Aces Sky in their debut match at the South West Sports Centre on Friday night.
Sky showed no mercy against the Eagles from the opening tip-off, going on an incredible 21-1 offensive run.
Gradually, the Eagles managed to slowly find their feet, with Korrine Bennell attempting to kickstart their offence, however time and the margin proved to be insurmountable.
The Bulls managed to hold off a spirited Tornadoes Black 55-48, with Georgia Denehey top scoring with 14 points.
It was a brave effort from Black, who trailed by double digits deep into the third term, before solid responses from Jasmine Barrett and Javene Fitch ensured the margin was slashed to three points.
However Black’s efforts eventually ran out of steam, with Bulls’ experience in the final term ultimately paving the way for a handy win.
All three matches in men’s A-Grade were incredibly lopsided, with Tornadoes Black trouncing the Eaton Eagles 129-33, while the Dunsborough Oilers and Bulls comprehensively accounted for the Tornadoes Red and Aces Sky respectively.
Black, who opened the campaign with an impressive win over Aces White, bolted out to a 13-0 lead over the Eagles inside the opening five minutes.
In a lean first half, the Eagles struggled to counter the array of weapons at Black’s disposal, with nine players hitting double digits on the scoresheet.
Top scoring for the victors were Callum Heap and Damon Ballantyne (20 points), who managed to do what they wanted offensively.
Reigning champions Bulls saluted 84-61 against Aces Sky, with Travis Durnin (33 points) again showcasing the full range of his talents.
Durnin, who is averaging 37.5 points per game so far this season, looks capable of recording a 50 point game if he continues to terrorise rival defences.
Suiting up for the first time in the 2019-20 season, the Oilers showed of grit in the final quarter against a weary Red, winning 77-62.
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