Triple T finale
Whangaruru Tukaiaia beat Muriwhenua (score note advised): The Muriwhenua Women's basketball team ended up with the bridesmaid tag for the second year in a row after losing the final of the Te Tai Tokerau Classic tournament to the defending champions - a repeat of last year's final - at the ASB indoor stadium in Kensington on Saturday afternoon.
Local commentator Carol Clunie noted Whangaruru Tukaiaia remained unbeaten this season to take out the Classic title and secure their threepeat of championships. Once again it was Whangaruru's tough man-to-man defence that made the difference. Sian Telfer was an outstanding player for Whangaruru, working tirelessly at both ends of the court and top scoring with 23 points, and well supported by Karlene Kingi who dominated inside-the-key scoring 18 points; while after the match, teammate Reannon Hetaraka-Sadler was named tournament MVP.
For Muriwhenua, Rangi Tawhara had some good drives to the hoop earning her 15 points, and Freda Riwai controlled the ball well and scored 11. Muriwhenua pushed Whangaruru all the way throughout the game but once Whangaruru were ahead, they wouldn't allow Muriwhenua back in the game. Both sides advanced from their semi finals easily, as predicted, last Friday night: Whangaruru Tukaiaia beating Portland Flames 79-31 (ht 47-12); Muriwhenua downing Phoenix Takahiwai 70-40 (39-12).
Jennian Homes SBL
Portland Blazers 83 Whangaruru Bloodlines 81 (ht 48-33): Noting this was - like the abovementioned TTT Classic game which provided the curtainraiser - also a repeat of last years final, SBL coordinator Carol Clunie said the men's finale at the ASB Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday afternoon kept everyone on the edge of their seats right to the final buzzer.
"What a game!" Clunie noted, adding, "The game went back and forth as the teams scored basket for basket. Fatigue set in for both teams as they played their hearts out," she said, adding Portland Blazers eventually managed to hold on to the win by only two points, becoming the first men's team to win back-to-back provincial titles. Blazers Ethan Penney was named the tournament MVP.
The results from last Friday's semi finals were, Bloodlines Whangaruru 127 Maunu Lights 53 (63-22); Portland Blazers 60 City Hawks 49 (28-15).
In conclusion, Carol Clunie acknowledge all involved in the two 2013/14 competitions played over summer.
"Thank you to all who have supported the teams this year, it has been a great season."