9 May 2012

Photo:  Aaron Simpson helped the Jets beat Lightning in a close encounter.

Darwin Airport Resort League Results from Tuesday 8 May 2012

League Women –Eagles v Tracy Village Jets

Tracy Village Jets put a stop to the Eagles six game winning streak that included an upset of the Jets back in round 12. The Bombers took little pity on the Birds as they rambled past them for a convincing 79-55 win that keeps them one game clear of the Uni Rebels with only four rounds left before playoffs. The Eagles chances at the double took a mighty blow with the loss, but they are playoff bound nonetheless. The second quarter proved pivotal for the Bombers as seven different players scored during a 29-15 point run that the Eagles struggled to overcome despite a spirited effort from Michelle Friel (18.2ppg) who led all scorers with 25 points. Sam Rioli (20), Georgii Howlett (16), Desiree Weetra and Demi Cubillo (11ea) led the charge for the Bombers while the usual support from the Eagle starters wasn’t forthcoming for Friel (Katherine Hollis -7.3ppg-was the only other double figure scorer with 10). The hard-nosed defense by the Bombers was evident in the number of trips to the free throw line by the Eagles who tallied 28 points from the stripe, over half of their point total and a new League record for team free throws made in a game. The Jets hit 17 from the stripe. It was a good tune-up for the Bombers who take on the Rebels next week in the match of the round.      

Uni Rebels v Warriors

The Uni Rebels charged past the Warriors 72-38 for their 12^th win of the season. The Warriors were completely outplayed in the first half as they fell behind 41-16. Tamara Sheppard (24.6ppg) hit 16 of her game high 27 in that half with support from Jaylene Bonson (14 @ 19.3ppg) and Delsey Ah Wang (12 @ 8.6ppg) who also tallied double figures. Nyssa Curwen hit a season high 18 for the undermanned Warriors, but aside from 12 points from Kate Smyth that was it for Warrior scoring.  

Lightning v Ansett

Lightning have given themselves a chance at the final four with a 56-26 win against a slumping Ansett team that may not hang on to the fourth spot. With only four rounds remaining before the playoffs Lightning have to beat the Warriors in a critical match next week and then sweat it out on results from games the Blues play through the final rounds. This win by Lightning has given them an outside chance. A season high 20 points from guard Kelli Sealy (10.5ppg) proved a winner for Lightning, with support coming from Chelsea Cook (17 @ 10ppg) and Tahnee lew Fatt (12 @ 7.7ppg). Lightning ran up an unbeatable 29-16 first half lead and used a 11-6 run in the last quarter to bring home the points. Amelia Shanahan (8.1ppg) and Victoria Uhlig (9.9ppg) stood out for the Blues with 14 and 13.

Ladder:                                           Tracy Village Jets 13-2, Uni Rebels 12-3, Eagles 10-5, Ansett 5-10, Lightning 4-11 & Warriors 2-12-1

Next Week:                        Ansett v Eagles Jets 6:15pm, Lightning v Warriors 7:45pm & Tracy Village Jets v Uni Rebels 9:15pm

League Men –Tracy Village Jets v Lightning

The Tracy Village Jets held off a formidable challenge from Lightning to register a close fought 72-68 win that keeps them one step ahead of Ansett and the Eagles. Lightning used a 27-21 run in the second quarter to forge a 45-40 lead at half time inspired by the play of Jesse Bell who hit 10 of his 15 points in the quarter. Playing without scoring star Travis Ellis (26.1ppg) the Bombers needed others to step up if they were to take home a win. Aaron Simpson (5.8ppg) did just that, hitting a season high 20 that coupled with captain Michael MacLean’s 20 as the Bombers overhauled Lightning and then held them off in the finishing stages of the game. Thirteen points each from Daniel Miller (9.8ppg) and Sam White (6ppg) added to the Bomber score line as they tuned up for next week’s meeting with the Eagles. Bell (20.9ppg) and Cameron Bailey (18 @ 17.9ppg), who usually share the scoring burden for Lightning, got a bit of help from Christian Williams (6.1ppg) this week as he hit a season high 13, but foul trouble laid Lightning low as they gave up 17pts from the free throw line to the Bombers while collecting only 7 themselves.  

Eagles v Uni Rebels

Eagles Charles Benning (28.5ppg) continues on his scoring binge as he nails 38 in a 103-53 whipping of the Uni Rebels who have now been eliminated from the playoffs. The defending champs had no reply to the Eagle onslaught as the Birds took off on a 30-12 first quarter run that blossomed into a 48-28 half time lead. The run was just a taste of more to come as the Eagles outscored the Rebels 55-29 in the second half to record the easy win. In support of Benning (who has topped 30pts or more in seven of the last eight games), Henry Bui (5.1ppg) enjoyed his best showing of the season for the Eagles with 21. Joseph Johnson chipped in with 17 and Buster Perkins 15. Newcomer Atroyu Wilkinson hit 16 for the Rebels with Rick McAlister (8.4ppg) adding 12 and Jake Kirby 10.   

Ansett v Warriors

Ansett romped home against the Warriors with a thumping 107-61 win. Six players hit double figures for the Blues with Matt Hunt (17ppg) leading the way with 23. The Blues opened up with a 24-18 run and then blew the Warriors out of contention with a 29-11 effort in the second quarter to put the game out of reach. For the second week in a row Ben Muvirimi (10.8ppg) led the Warriors with 20 while team mates Ajak Dut hit 11 and Tendayi Muyambi & Rob Oliver hit 10 each.      

Ladder:                   Tracy Village Jets 12-3, Ansett & Eagles 11-4, Lightning 6-8-1, Warriors 3-12, Uni Rebels 2-10-3

Next Week:    Lightning v Ansett 6:15pm, Tracy Village Jets v Eagles 7:45pm & Warriors v Uni Rebels 9:15pm