Seymour’s Rhylee Leighton makes a lay-up during the Blasters’ dominant win over Echuca. Photos: Wayne Herring.
A Country Basketball League double-header at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday night produced mixed results for the Seymour Blasters, with the women’s side experiencing the first blemish of their campaign, while the men produced an emphatic performance to continue their hold on top spot.
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In just the second outing of the North East Women’s competition season, the Blasters hosted Albury Cougars on Saturday evening in a battle of the undefeated sides from the opening round.
Having recorded a comprehensive 50-point victory over Shepparton in its first game, Seymour would have been full of confidence heading into the round two clash. However, the Blasters found themselves immediately down 6-15 at quarter-time and in need of a response after a dominant opening period by the Cougars.
It didn’t come, as Albury forged ahead, adding 19 points in the second while an avenue to the basket remained almost impossible for the Blasters to find, as they were again restricted to just six points for the quarter and headed into half-time trailing 12-34.
Things improved defensively for Seymour after the main break as it managed to hold Albury to 10 points for the third term, however it came at the cost of scoring, with only two points added to the home side’s total, meaning it faced a 30-point deficit heading into the final term.
Kasey Lennox protects the ball on a tough night for the Blasters against Albury.
But rather than dropping their heads, the Blasters set out in the last quarter with a point to prove, finding some rhythm and picking up the scoring rate, winning the quarter 21-19 to salvage something from the contest, although they were defeated 35-63.
Chloe Dimkopolous top-scored with 13 points on a challenging night, while Isla Whitford also reached double digits, contributing 10 points.
The loss drops the Blasters to fourth on the ladder through two rounds, although with the opportunity to move straight back up this weekend when they take on second-placed Wodonga Wolves at Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre on Saturday at 6pm.
The men’s side had no such issues in dispatching their opponent as their strong start to the North East Men’s competition continues.
A fixture quirk saw the Blasters line up against Echuca Pirates in round two having already played them in the opening round, but it clearly was of no concern to Seymour, which bounced to a dominant 99-60 victory.
A hot start to the contest saw both sides score more than 20 points in the opening term, but it was Seymour that held the 29-21 advantage at quarter-time, courtesy of a 15-point burst from Tyler Best.
The eight-point lead doubled by half-time as the Blasters pressed the advantage in the second quarter, continuing their high rate of scoring as the Pirates struggled to go with them, adding 22 points to 14 to establish a 51-35 lead by the main break.
Clearly that wasn’t enough of an advantage to satisfy the Blasters, who put the foot to the floor after half-time, stretching the margin beyond 30 points with a punishing 29-11 quarter and putting the result beyond doubt with a 34-point lead at the final change.
The Blasters capped proceedings by winning the final term, ensuring they haven’t been outscored in any quarter this season, putting an exclamation point on the 39-point victory.
Best finished as the Blasters’ top scorer following a fine performance, adding 29 points to solidify his position as the leading scorer across the league so far this season, while William Stewart (15 points), Cooper York (14) and Rhylee Leighton (10) demonstrated Seymour’s depth of scoring options.
The win ensures the Blasters remain in top spot after round two while also boasting the biggest percentage.
Seymour will enjoy a bye this weekend before taking to the court twice in round four, hosting Wodonga Wolves on Saturday, October 25, before hitting the road on Sunday, October 26, to face Wallan Panthers.
