Round Wrap: Forestville v Centrals

By Tom Edwards

 

WOMEN

Forestville were too strong for Central Districts on Saturday night, defeating the away team 80 to 65 in the Anzac Day clash.

The Lions however tightly contested the ball game for most of the match. It was not until an early fourth quarter blitz from the Eagles that saw them jump to a decisive 10 point lead.

The Lions employed a full court trap for most of the night. Forestville though were able to successfully break it down, and demonstrated the high quality of their team-first game style.

Central Districts’ Nicole Harris was promising in the post, yet her lack of dominance saw the Eagles intercept various passes to her as they capitalised on fast break opportunities.

Amy Lewis of the Lions led her team for most of the match. Her ball handling and driving abilities lifted her team on several occasions.

Disaster struck for the Lions in the third quarter when Rosalie Cutri appeared injured with a suspected medial collateral ligament of anterior cruciate ligament breakage.

If it were not for the unfortunate injury, Central Districts may have rallied back and taken the lead. Alongside Lewis, Cutri was integral to the Lion’s offence.

Forestville were able to maintain their efficient style of play for the remainder of the match.

The club’s well-structured offence left players wide open. Samantha Defrancesco was able to finish with four three pointers following punishing defence and numerous fast break opportunities.

Forestville and 2014 Australian Under 17 representative, Morgan Yaeger, also proved crucial. Yaeger found teammates open for shots, whilst also being damaging herself on the scoreboard.

Central Districts’ full court trap proved largely unsuccessful. If they had played one-on-one defence, they may have limited Forestville’s surge and momentum.

Saturday night’s loss leaves the Lions winless at the bottom of the ladder. Although eventually losing, they were able to match it for most of the Anzac Day clash against a well-polished Forestville.

Forestville Top Scorers

Samantha Defrancesco: 29 Points

Morgan Yaeger: 17 Points

Danielle Angley: 8 Points

 

Central Districts Top Scorers

Amy Lewis: 30 Points

Rosalie Cutri: 10 Points

Nisa Sexton: 6 Points

 

MEN

Central Districts nudged out Forestville in their Anzac Day clash running away victors 77 to 70.

Lion’s player Tyler Kennedy unsuccessfully jacked up numerous three point attempts to start the match. Had they fallen, Central Districts would have had a commanding lead early in the match.

Instead, Forestville jumped away to an eight-point lead.

The Lions quickly dropped back into a zone defence, limiting Forestville’s drive and penetration.

This ultimately proved successful as the home club was unable to put a comfortable margin between themselves and their opposition.

At various points in the game the Eagles led by as many as seven points.

At the half time interval the Eagles led 36-29.

Central Districts remained in a zone for the rest of the game, even employing a full court trap in order to force a Forestville turnover.

Jake Rios from Forestville kept his ball club in the game, knocking down multiple jump shots.

It was not until the final minutes of the match where the Lions’ Christopher-Clausen hit a three pointer that the momentum swung in their favour as the Central Districts gained the lead.

With Forestville having two starting players fouled out late in the match, Central Districts were able to maintain their momentum and dictated the rest of the ball game.

Forestville were unable to structure a sound offence in the final minutes, highlighting both their raw desperation and also Central’s intensified defensive pressure.

The Anzac Day victory for Central Districts has lifted them from the rear end of the ladder, whilst Forestville’s defeat will make it difficult for the club to sneak into the top four.

 

Forestville Top Scorers

Pero Vasiljevic: 18 Points

Jake Rios: 13 Points

Kyle Howe-Tipene: 12 Points

 

Central Districts Top Scorers

Christopher Clausen: 26 Points

Matthew Atkins: 16 Points

Jordan Centernera: 16 Points




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Download the GameDay App!

Stay up-to-date with your favourite teams and keep an eye on your rivals by accessing the latest match results, fixtures and stats via GameDay App.

GameDay Splash Screen
App Store Google Play