Saints sweep titles

Saints Men’s and Women’s basketballers reversed the respective second semi final results to secure the 2023/24 Summer South East Coast Basketball League (SECBL) Premierships.

As the women’s grand final unfolded it appeared as if teams changed tops from the semi- fnal.

In the semi final Bulldogs appeared in control but Saints came back strongly in each quarter but not able to bridge the gap.

In the grand final however, Saints (pictured above), on the back of a blistering first quarter, featuring an outstanding tally of 15 points from Poppy Venn, including four threes, were in control but Bulldogs players had their determination rewarded in the next three quarters when they outscored Saints and closed the margin from 12 to three at the final siren.

This strong start, followed by sustained, scrapping defence led by Ashlee Dean and Edie Easterby, set up the win for Saints.

These efforts forced some of the Bulldogs’ players into hurried shots resulting in consistent rebounding by Ashlee Dean and Nikeisha Facey.

This hard work limited Bulldogs in finding their usual free flowing and high scoring momentum.

Ever reliable Tenielle Human gave her all for Bulldogs and was well supported by Tara Bryant.

The ability to shoot accurately at crucial times in the game saw Saints’ Poppy Venn awarded MVP for the grand final.

Saints Men opened confidently and their 15-3 lead at the half way mark of the first quarter made it clear that they ‘came to play’.

Bulldogs’ on court leader, Simon Berkefeld, along with quiet achiever Duncan Reid and Shaun Lock reacted to the challenge and lifted the scoreboard to read 32-25 at the first break.

Saints set up a winning structure in the second quarter when Jack Haggett, Harry Mules and Austin Fuller led a threatening 21-12 period scoreline.

Bulldogs’ Reid and Berkefeld made the most of their chances, but struggled for possessions against the lively defensive efforts of Saints.

While third quarter scores were even, allowing Saints to retain their 17-point lead, Bulldogs were still in the game considering their comeback in the second semi final.

It was however a different Saints team in this home stretch – the players were more patient and composed against a desperate Bulldogs, who at times, went away from their typical team strategies due to the scoreboard pressure.

Jackson Bowden (left) rounded off a class performance, well supported by teammates for Saints, earning him the MVP of the grand final.

Duncan Reid maintained high percentage shooting to lead the scoring for Bulldogs. He made 12 of his game total of 25 points in the last quarter.