There was plenty of emotion and joy for the Kyneton Tigers as they broke through for their first Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League men’s north-west win in more than 1700 days.
It’s been some tough times for the Tigers, but the club has stuck together and was able to get some reward for effort against the Maryborough Blazers in the second round of the CBL.
After a bye in round one, the Tigers started the season with a loss to the Macedon Ranges Rockies.
Not to be deterred, the side bounced back to beat the Blazers, 87-78.
The Blazers came at the Tigers in the third quarter, but they were able to respond to get the win.
Tigers coach Christian Martinez said it was an incredible feeling to break though for that win.
“For me, the last two minutes of the game I was trying to not get emotional,” he said.
“I come to the club and seen the blood, sweat and tears to build a productive program.
“We don’t have any players from that team five years ago and we’re even different from last year, but there’s a sense of belief and a strong bond.”
Martinez said many of the group from last year backed in what they were doing and were keen to return to this year
Seven players made their debuts on the weekend.
Martinez said they had been going into each game trying to win and it was about making sure they had the right mindset.
He said they were disappointed to drop their first game against the Rockies.
“We’re already looking to the return game and we think that we can beat them,” he said.
Martinez said having been at the club the past couple of seasons and have now taken on the coaching director role and presidency role he has seen what it has taken to get to this point.
He said there’s still plenty of work to do and they wanted to continue to make the club and teams something the Kyneton community is proud of.
“The thing that I’m most proud of, is that we have really picked a squad that showcases the pathway,” he said.
“It was a bit difficult to start with but once I got my head around it and started meeting people around turn and meeting with businesses, you really feel part of something.
“We want to showcase that pathway that we are building.”
The win comes after a mixed off season where the Tigers had to withdraw their women’s side weeks out from the season.
The side played off in last season’s grand final.
Martinez said they were hoping that it would only be for a season and they were looking to build a women’s program in the future with a good mix of youth and experience to have that pathway.
The Tigers are in action on Saturday against Mildura Heat.
