YOUTH LEAGUE 1 MEN
Waverley Falcons 70 def. by Diamond Valley Eagles 84
The Diamond Valley Eagles have taken a commanding one-to-nothing lead in their best of three series with the Falcons, stealing the win on the road by 14 points, looking to wrap things up this Saturday night.
Waverley's offensive artillery failed to ignite, shooting below 30 per cent from all over the floor. Dexter Drew-Kernich was their best scorer with 15, while Dean Neville added 12.
They were also well beaten on the glass.For the Eagles, Chris Arkell managed to keep his hand toasty, dropping 31 off a phenomenal 65 per cent. He was even hotter from range, knocking three of four from the three. He received a helping hand from Steve Viterbo and Sam Reynolds who added 17 each.
For Waverley, the answer seems pretty simple — find that touch that got them over the line against Melbourne. They'll need the likes of Michael Dettman and Sean Sewart to find some form, while Drew-Kernich, Neville and Wilkins need to continue to stand tall.
Two wins against a Diamond Valley outfit that have been solid as a rock all season will take some sort of effort — but Waverley have been at their best with their backs against the wall. The wall is upon them, and with the Eagles stacked with options and with the taste of a Championship at the tip of their tongues, they'll want to be.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WOMEN
Waverley Falcons 46 def. by Hume City Broncos 74
The Hume City Broncos have given the Waverley Falcons an almost impossible task of taking the Grand Final series after stealing game one on the road to the tune of 28 points.
After a tough and even first term, the Broncos shut the Falcons down in the second, holding Waverley to just six for the quarter. They added 19 of their own that quarter, taking a 15 point half time lead that was extended in the second half.
For the Broncos, Hibbert had a game high 22, shooting 60 per cent from the field, with Belinda Campbell chipping in with 12 points, while trusty playmaker Sharin Milner adding 10 points and six assists. For Waverley, Alex Lough top scored with 13, while Brooke McKay contributed 10.
But if the Falcons want to get back into this series, they need more contributors. The ever reliable Julie Brookhouse was simply shut down, able only to put up two field goal attempts for the entire clash for four points, which won't be enough if they have any chance next weekend.
Few people think that two wins at Broadmeadows Stadium is achievable, but Waverley have developed a Jeckyl and Hyde reputation. They are likely to hit the floor a different unit next week, and can set the offensive end of the floor alight. They match the Broncos on the glass and can get it done offensively — the question is will they on Saturday night, and can they continue that over two days?
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