The Falcons hit up Eltham for another edition of what has become a classic rivalry. With the exception of the Wildcats’ win over a Falcons team missing three starters earlier this season, every game between these teams in recent memory has been an absolute corker.

Saturday Night was no exception. Although the Falcons came up short, the Overtime thriller was more than enough to suggest these are two very good teams who are capable of taking their act deep into the Finals. Ivan Platenik led a swag of scorers in double figures for the Falcons is a game where big shots and big plays were expected and delivered by both teams.

The Youth Men took on the Wildcats prior to the Senior Men and took a strong 12 point win. It was a good steadying performance for the Falcons who are looking to cement a spot in the finals picture. Declan Harrick, Kuany Kuany, Abram Hothnyang and Sean Stewart were all smooth as the Falcons delivered in the fourth quarter.

The Senior Women were faced with their second double-header weekend in as many rounds, travelling to Oakleigh (actually only five minutes from Waverley) on Saturday Night to take on the Tigers before hosting Eltham on Sunday. It was a strong opening from the Falcons on Saturday Night, playing without leading scorer Melissa Moyle, however a tough second quarter from the field made life difficult. The Falcons kept working hard but could not real in the deficit, with no player registering double figures.

Sunday brought on a new challenge for the Senior Women and with both teams experience some key absences, the Falcons took control early. As the game wore on, former Australian Opal Holly Florence made her presence felt, and Eltham began to get on top. Another third quarter fade out threatened to derail the Falcons however they held tough and after a car park three from Marlie Hayes found themselves down by just three points with a minute remaining. Once again however, the Falcons couldn’t quite finish it off. Taylor Dickinson was superb against top opposition with a season high 15 rebounds.

The Youth Women had a nice surprise 23 point win over the Wildcats in the opening game on Sunday. Claire Landby got hot early and put up a game high 25 points in only 20 minutes. After that everyone got in on the act, with 11 players getting on the scoresheet in the Falcons’ third win of the season.

With the long weekend ahead the Falcons senior teams can enjoy a brief rest before the season enters the final straight…before finals. On Saturday you can catch Falcons players Ivan Platenik, Bennie Lewis, Abram Hothnyang and Michael Dow at the Big V Big Bounce at MSAC.