In Game One of the best of three semi-final series between last year’s Grand Finalists Waverley and Eltham, the Falcons started slow, managing just six points in the first quarter. Things improved for the Falcons after that, but they found themselves too far behind, despite making a couple of impressive runs. The loss of scoring machine Bennie Lewis before tip-off did not help the Falcons cause as they struggled to get any real offensive flow through the early stages of the game. Daniel Dillon, Ivan Platenik and Brad Kelleher all made contributions at the offensive end, but it was hard work with a poor shooting percentage. The Wildcats were able to generate some offense through inside threats Matthew Fennell and NBL star Cameron Tragadh.

In the final equation, the Wildcats got the better of the Falcons by 16 points. The boys from Waverley will need to regroup this week as they head to Eltham High School with the tough task of winning two games on Eltham’s home floor. The last time the Falcons were able to win two games away from home in a finals series was the 2010 Grand Final against Ringwood.

The Youth League Men were at Ringwood on Sunday themselves, and it was a simple case of win or go home for the Falcons in this elimination final. Despite finishing lower than the Hawks at the end of the regular season, the Falcons were silky smooth in the early stages of the one. After an enterprising start, the Falcons had to see off a few challenges from the Hawks, last year’s Champions, as they recorded an upset win away from home. Kuany Kuany has shown he is now a bone fide star of the Youth Competition, with a massive return of 28 points and 18 rebounds. Michael Dow and Sean Stewart were also effective from the perimeter for the Falcons, whose biggest issue as they move further into playoffs is the loss of players as they head to the USA for College commitments.

The task for the Youth Men is even tougher this week as they head to Diamond Valley to face the Eagles, who have not looked like dropping a game all season. As impressive as the Eagles have been, the Falcons have the offensive firepower to match them. If they can handle the Eagles’ relentless full court pressure, the Falcons may just be a chance at what would easily be the biggest upset of the Big V season.

The Championship Men will be playing Saturday Night at Eltham and if they win that will front up again on Sunday for a decider. While the Youth League play at Diamond Valley on Saturday Night, if they win they will go to the Grand Final, if they don’t they will go to offseason.