LTU are quickly establishing a reputation as tournament specialists. For the second time in 4 years, the LTU men were victorious at the annual Warrnambool Seaside Carnival.


The men's team was a mix of old and new Trobers. Returning from Sweden for a couple of weeks, Jeremy "Jesus" Caust made it a priority to play. Joining him were former LTU IV stars Adam "Junior Jesus" Moore, Chippa Weston, Nazza O'Brien and honorary Trober, Brett Dobson. Added to the mix was LTU IT employee, Michael Scouller and brother of IV hero Jodie Datson, Jeremy. Naturally there was some current LTU Big V flavour with Andrew Forbes suiting up (only when required). Most exciting was the unleashing of new LTU Big V recruit, Neville "The Big Ticket" Chivhanganye.

In sweltering heat, the Hoo Hars (tournament nickname)partied hard and played hard and came out on top. Having to play 5 games on Saturday in 40 plus conditions, the players were skeptical about surviving the weekend.

After checking out the opposition, it was decided that the Warrnambool Seahawks were the team to beat as they featured a 90% strong ABA side that featured league legend, Bobby Cunningham and gun player, Curtis Small. This favouritism was confirmed when the Hoo Hars were defeated by 5 points an the second game of the day.

By the end of the 5th game on Saturday, LTU sat in 2nd position on the ladder with a 3-1-1 record. Having to play 1 more pool game on Sunday morning against Melbourne Uni, the boys were happy with the fact that regardless of the result they would play Melbourne again in the semi final.

After a lacklusture 9am game against Melbourne Uni which funnily enough, LTU lost, the tables were turned in the semi final to the tune of a 20 point LTU win. The win meant a match up with the Seahawks in the Grand Final.

Everything was in Warrnambool's favour for the Grand Final. Their semi final opponent didn't think they were in finals so were on their way back to Adelaide when their game was scheduled to start. Plus, Naz (ankle) and Neville (neck)were unavailable due to injuries.

Nevertheless, LTU dug deep and took it right at the favourites. Dobbo and Curtis Small matched up in a classic point guard duel befitting 2 of the best guards in the state. Chippa started out strong, nailing several big 3's early on whilst Adam Moore held his own against the more experienced Cunningham.

The teams traded baskets for the entire first half and there were only 2 points in the game at half time. It appeared that if either team were able to get more than 5 or 6 points ahead, it would be enough for victory.

Going in to the 2nd half, LTU needed someone to step up inside just in case the hot outside shooting cooled off. "Ask and you shall receive," said Jesus, as he crashed the boards with reckless abandon in the 2nd half. He was all over the place with his long monkey arms getting a piece of every ball available. Skoolz hit some big shots from outside and Jez Datson played gutsy basketball. Chippa, Dobbo and Adsy kept their games at the top level and LTU managed to build a small lead with a few minutes to go.

When Cunningham fouled out with 2 minutes left, Small tried to shoot the Seahawks back in to the game, but with no success. LTU ended up 5 point victors and another tournament victory was added to LTU history.