By Tara Murray
Kyneton Tigers started the year on a winning note in the Country Basketball League men’s north-west competition.
Playing at home, the Tigers took on the bottom of the table Swan Hill Flyers on Saturday night.
It was an even early in the first quarter, before the Tigers opened up a six point lead at the first break.
The margin got out to as much as 10 points late in the second quarter, before the Flyers scored the next 11 points to take a one point lead into half time.
The Tigers regrouped at half time and had the better of the third quarter to regain the lead and led by six points heading into the last quarter.
The last quarter was all the Tigers, as they ran away to a 69-56 win.
Iggy Spiller top scored for the Tigers with 16 points, while Matt Bourke chipped in with 14 points.
Kyneton now sits fifth with four wins.
The women’s side weren’t as lucky, starting the year with a 65-41 loss to the Swan Hill Lady Flyers.
It was an understrength Tigers side, with all three Mangan sisters missing the game.
Scores were level late in the first quarter, before the Lady Flyers hit some late baskets to lead by five points at the first break.
There was nothing in the game at half time, with the Lady Flyers leading by one point and the Tigers well and truly in the game.
It was a third quarter to forget for the Tigers as they scored just seven points and they found themselves down by 18 points at the last break.
The damage had been done, with the Tigers unable to reduce the lead enough in the final quarter.
Amelia Jarvis was the only Tigers play to score double figures, finishing with 14 points.
The loss sees the Tigers fall below the Flyers, with the side now sitting bottom with three wins.
