The Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers Women have successfully closed out the WSBL regular season, triumphing over the Rockingham Flames on Friday Nights Round 18 clash.

Anticipated to be a thriller with the second and third teams facing off, the Tigers were looking to avenge their narrow round 9 away loss. Much of the responsibility was on the shoulders of the Tigers array of up and coming talent as they were without the brilliance of dominant guard Kate Malpass.

Perth Lynx star Ashley Gilmore and impressive youngster Courtney Hargreaves were blazing for the Tigers early combining for 22 of the teams 25 points in the first quarter helping them jump on the Flames early. A solid second quarter effort saw the Tigers up by 13 at the half.

The Flames managed to put together a strong fourth quarter to get within 6 late. But the Tigers managed to stand their ground in front of the home crowd and for the second consecutive week they led from start to finish in defeating the Flames 74-64. 

Gilmore’s inside presence once again proved to be the key for the Tigers with 25 points and 18 rebounds. Hargreaves wasn’t far behind with 19 points and 7 rebounds. For the Flames, Kaye Tucker was big with 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Capping their third straight win, Week 18’s victory gives the Tigers Women a great momentum boost heading into the finals. With a bye in the final week they should be well rested for their best of three quarter final series in a fortnight. Week 19’s scramble for places will decide their opponent.

The Tigers Men had a must win battle on their hands with the Flames -  a loss would end their post season hopes.
It was set to be a showcase of talent between two US College bound young-guns in the Tigers Jacob Reed and the Flames Ryan Godfrey. Many of the Tigers were set to see additional playing time due to the absence of guards Ian Callaghan and Kosta Illic.

The physically superior Tigers looked to exploit the size mismatches caused by colossal import duo Robert Epps and Chris Christofferson. Jacob Reed was quick to find his game capitalizing on fast break opportunities.

The Flames were neck and neck with the tall Tigers thanks to their own import combo of Joey Harrell Jr. and Trey Clarkson. They managed to get the edge on the Tigers, going into the fourth with a 1 point lead.

Two quick threes saw the scoreboard turn the Tigers way as they came from behind to burst the game out to a convincing 18 points late. 

The Flames showed signs of a last minute recovery through Clarkson knocking down some big shots but the depleted Tigers managed to hold on and keep their slim finals hopes alive downing the Flames 125-116 in the final home game of 2009.

Robert Epps had a great night with 35 points and 9 rebounds while Jacob Reed put together a season high 29 points with 7 assists. Chris Christofferson cashed in on rebounds with 22 boards and 24 points.

Six three pointers saw Trey Clarkson lead the way for the Flames with 30 points. Forward Rhett Della had a notable performance with 22 points and 7 rebounds.

The Tigers future lies completely in their final game of the season. They face one of the toughest tasks on any teams calendar with a road trip to Kalgoorlie to play the second placed Goldfield Giants who are rolling on a five game streak.

Going down to the Giants earlier this year, the Tigers will need to produce four quarters of their finest basketball to down the defending champions. They will be looking for a similar last game miracle to last season’s which sparked their run to the 2008 MSBL Final.

Article by Tim Friday
Photo by June Halliday