Date: Mon, Dec 14, 2009
A Grade Report: Senior A Grade Grand Finals Go Down to the Wire.
The Ballarat Trophies and Gifts A Grade Mens And Womens competition came to an end last night with the Grand Finals being played on court 1 at the WIN Minerdome. Both games proved to be tight competitions with close final scores.
In the Men’s competition it was a much more senior and experienced Saints team taking on a young and fast Phoenix side. In the first half it was experience over youth with Saints taking a handy six point lead going into the half time break. Nick Grylewicz helped Saints with some long range shooting including two big three point shots.
The second half it was Phoenix’s Adam McSwain who took charge with some strong work under the basket and eight second half points. As the clock ran down into the final minute it was Saints still in front by three points and Phoenix on the attack. Shooting guard Tim Stewart received the ball outside the three point line. As he attempted to let the shot go, Saints player Nick Grylewicz was called for a controversial foul. This sent Stewart to the foul line with three free throws and a chance to tie the scores. With only two seconds left on the clock it was Phoenix’s last chance. Fortunately for Saints, he was unable to make all three shots, missing the first and making the second two shots.
The final score reading - Saints 50 defeating Phoenix 49.
Scorers: Saints; Grylewicz 15, Downey 10 : Phoenix; McSwain 14, Stewart 12.
In the Women’s game, with Saints Blue taking on Celtic Tigers Green, it was again a close competition with only a few points separating the two teams. For the majority of the match it was Saints Blue in control on the scoreboard, maintaining a small five point lead from half time.
Celtic Green was more competitive in the second half, outscoring Saints by two points. However it was not enough with Saints ending up 3 point winners.
Final Score: Saints 34 Celtic Tigers Green 31
Scorers: Saints; Allgood 9, Collins, McGreehan 8 Celtic Green; Ashby 10, Scott 8
