Written by Rangers Media

The Dandenong Rangers have claimed their first D League Men’s Championship, defeating the Sandringham Sabres 61-55 at Dandenong Stadium Sunday afternoon. A large crowd piled into Show Court 2 to see the Rangers battle it out in a thriller with the Sabres.

It was a tight opening term, with neither team able to gain the upper hand - scores locked at 16 at quarter time. The Rangers working the ball around and able to gain a splendour 2 point lead at the main break.

Ryan Cunningham was relentless defensively for the Rangers, whilst Calvin Enge led all scorers with 17 points for the home side.

The Rangers opened the lead out to 6 point at the last break and that’s where it stayed.

Dandenong coach Duncan Berg spoke after the game, “We are really excited with the win and that we were able to have such a positive influence on a great group of young men. They have worked their tails off this year and thoroughly deserve the chance to be called Champions.”

Dandenong finished the regular season in third position, with 14 wins, 7 losses - however was highly regarded as the most inform team leading into the finals. The Rangers defeated second place Kilsyth 93-77 in the semi final before claiming the championship on Sunday over Sandringham.

“As a coach staff, Michael and I saw glimpses of what could happen with this group of young men from early in the season. We could see the potential for something great and that it was lying just below the surface,” Berg said.

This was the Rangers first ever D League finals appearance - 2012 Champions.