Top-two clash is ‘going to be a cracker’, says Riches

COACH Dan Riches has praised the way the Surfcoast Chargers have lifted in the absence of injured captain Jason Reardon.

The star skipper went down with Achilles soreness just before Anzac Day and the side has continued its winning streak to be on top of the Big V Division 2 men’s ladder after six rounds.

The Chargers beat South Peninsula 87-82 and Wallan 103-66 before thumping Mornington 109-60 last weekend.

“That was an opportunity for us to fill a huge leadership void with him not being there,” Riches said.

“Whilst his production is great, he does so much that is not on the scoresheets and stats because he is just a leader.”

Riches said he was proud of the way the undermanned Chargers won in overtime against South Peninsula in front of a big away crowd.

They now have a top-of-the-table away clash tomorrow (Saturday, May 10) at 8pm against second-placed Sherbrooke, who are also undefeated.

Riches said the Chargers would again be without Reardon and he expects it to be a great challenge on the road against an athletic Suns outfit.

American import Dexter Graham, who top scored with 20 points, was stand-in skipper against Mornington.

“He’s not a vocal guy, he does a lot of his leadership by action, but the words he does speak, he gets listened to because he doesn’t talk a lot,” Riches said.

The coach praised Graham’s defensive work as well as his ability to create shots in offence.

“He’s got some real dog in him, he takes it personal, when he wants to lock someone up, he’s really good, he’s an elite-level defender.”

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ women’s team fell 68-66 against Blackburn on Sunday.

The team is fifth on the Division 2 ladder with four wins and three losses and host Keysborough tomorrow at 7.30pm.