Storm deliver exciting close finishes under new coach

FOUR points has decided each of the Bellarine Storm’s past three games in the Big V men’s championship competition.

They beat Wyndham 99-95 and Pakenham 85-81 in round 8 before falling to Camberwell 96-92 last weekend.

It’s certainly been an entertaining start to new coach Ray Borner’s tenure as the Storm’s mentor after Luke Beauglehall was sacked just six rounds into the 2025 campaign.

“It’s been interesting in as much as I’ve tried to give ownership to the players on how they want to play and hopefully working to their strengths and weaknesses,” Borner said.

The Storm executed two impressive comebacks with stirring final quarters.

They outscored Wyndham 28-22 and then Pakenham 31-15 in the fourth periods.

“We were able to lift our defensive intensity,” Borner said.

“And from that defensive intensity, I think that we got a couple of easy baskets and everybody just felt more comfortable with each other on the floor.

“It’s all about playing that hard-nose defence to get the results that you want.

“We just need to be able to do that consistently and that comes from making sure that players are on the floor fresh and aren’t tired.”

The ninth-placed Storm, who have a 4-8 record, were in a winning position against Camberwell but were outscored 27-18 in the fourth.

There is a league bye this weekend before a double-header against Melbourne University and Pakenham.

The Storm play Melbourne Uni at home on Saturday, June 14, at 7.30pm before their away game at 2pm the following day.

Meanwhile, the second-placed women’s outfit defeated Bulleen 68-48 last weekend and will host Warrnambool on June 14 at 5.30pm. They also play Pakenham away the following day at 12 noon.