Tara Murray
Kyneton Tigers made it three in a row in the Country Basketball League north-west women’s competition on Sunday.
While the Tigers men’s side had the bye, the Tigers women were at home to the Maryborough Blazers.
It was a close first quarter with the Tigers leading by three points.
They stepped up defensively in the second quarter, keeping the Blazers to just four points and increasing the lead to 12 points.
The margin continued to grow in the next two quarters, with the Tigers winning 73-47.
Tigers coach Ash Clark said the scoreline didn’t show how close the game was.
“They beat Bendigo the night before and at their best, they’re hard to beat,” he said.
“We’ve now got our full squad back and they’re all gelling well. [Michelle] Fletcher is a freak and has been playing better each year. It’s unbelievable.”
Alexandra Strawhorn led the way for the Tigers, finishing with 26 points.
Jessica Mangan was the only other player to score double figures for the Tigers, finishing with 12 points.
Last season’s runners-up, Clark said they were keen to further improve this year and finally claim the title.
They kept their core group together and added some more pieces.
“We had five or six players that had played together for so long, but the bench struggled at times.
“Bec Dekazos has come back and she know how to play with them. Jaz [Young], Michelle’s daughter has improved.”
Ella Jeffrey, a talented footballer, is another of the young talent for the Tigers.
Kyneton faces Melton on Saturday afternoon before facing the Blazers again on Sunday.
The men’s team will also face both sides.
Meanwhile, both Macedon Rockies teams were on the road against the Swan Hill Flyers and the Mildura Heat.
The Rockies women started the weekend against the Flyers and put up a strong fight before going down 76-60.
Cara Beattie top scored with 11 points while Molly Garrahan, Kiralee Collings and Grace Cooper scored 10 points each.
It was a tough battle against the Heat the following day, losing 71-44.
Collings top scored with eight points.
The men’s side split their two matches.
In the first match on Saturday night, the Rockies beat the Flyers, 101-91 after leading by 14 points at half time.
Ethan Fiegert led the way with 26 points, while Jake Poyser had 23 points..
It was a nailbiter the following day against the Heat, with the Rockies losing 71-67.
The match went down to the final moments .
Lucas Carnell stepped up with 17 points, while Tom Scott and Jake Poyser had 13 points each.
The Rockies will play the Bacchus Marsh Lions on Sunday.
