The Knox ‘Under Armour’ Raiders SEABL women under the guidance of new head coach Cheryl Chambers have continued their remarkable start to the season, sitting on top with a 5-0 perfect start after wins over Dandenong and Sandringham in round four.

On Thursday evening, the Raiders travelled to Dandenong Stadium to face off against last year’s Champions for the second time in four games. Despite reigning MVP, Amy Denson being back in the country and fit to play, the Raiders would still be without the star import’s services due to complications with her playing VISA.

Chambers spoke about the Rangers wanting blood prior to the game after being beat in round one at Knox but the Raiders were not intimidated by their opponent and looked to have the poise and maturity of a team that easily surpasses the average age of the new young look outfit.

Although in some doubt before tip-off due to a knee tweak at training two nights earlier, Raiders impressive recruit Kelly Wilson was outstanding and the best player on the floor. Wilson poured in a season high 30 points including five three-pointers, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

The Rangers had no answer for the class of Wilson who helped guide her new team to a nine point half-time lead. Dandenong won their only quarter of the game in the third when the Raiders went ice cold from the field (2/15), scoring just six points as the home side tied the game by the three-quarter time buzzer.

Having relinquished their lead, the Raiders stayed calm and after scoring the opening points of the quarter, never trailed for the remainder of the contest. In the game’s final minutes, the Raiders pulled away with a 65-54 winning margin.

Playing the supporting hand to Wilson’s dominant performance was Odette Andrew whilst bigs duo Emily Fryters (1 point, 12 rebounds, 2 assists) and Shanae Greaves (6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists) battled hard all game against the Rangers front court.

For the home side, Clare Papavs was their leading scorer with 14 points and 6 rebounds and Steph Cumming was next best 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

On Saturday night, the Raiders faced Sandringham still without Denson and coach Chambers would also have Wilson and Cassie Smith out with injury. Both players didn’t pull up the way they had hoped after Thursday’s game, meaning the Raiders would be missing three of its starters.

But as has been the story so far this season, the Raiders depth of young enthusiastic players stepped up to fill the void. Starting in place of the injured Wilson and Smith were Sam Donald and Rachel Quirk.

The team was well led by veteran Emily Fryters who showed great leadership and was tireless in her effort on both ends of the floor. The league’s leading rebounder pulled down 17 boards to go with 13 points and 6 blocks whilst her fellow front court teammate, Shanae Greaves had a season high 16 points and 6 rebounds.

After trailing by four points at the end of the opening term, the Raiders found their rhythm in the second quarter with Odette Andrew getting hot, knocking down 11 points including three three-pointers to give her side a 35-30 half-time lead. Andrew finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Chambers’ young chargers continued to play well throughout the third quarter and stretched the margin to nine with a quarter to play. The visiting Sabres fought back within three points with just under three minutes to play but the Raiders executed well in the game’s final possessions to run away with the 73-66 victory.

Five players scored in double figures for the Raiders including Donald who played very solid in her starting role with 12 points, 4 points and 2 steals in 33 minutes of action. Coming off the bench, Jess May recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Micaela Cocks was the Sabres stand out with a game high 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

The Raiders are the only undefeated team left in the women’s competition and will next travel to Brisbane this upcoming weekend to tackle the Lady Spartans who have only played three games to this point and sit sixth in the East Conference at 1-2.