The Waverley 12.2 boys (Adam, Nick “Robbo”, Luke, Ethan, Lachie “Gillies”, Sam, Jack, Josh and Lachie), contested the Spectres Tournament over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in the same manner they have since the team was formed at the start of the rep season, with tenacity and in a unified spirit.

 

Superbly led by Coach Marcus Embury, who consistently approached each game in a calm, considered and methodical manner, the boys started the tournament with a thrilling game against the Norwood Flames. With about 5 seconds to go and with the scores equal at 25 all, Coach Marcus called a time out to advance the ball to our offensive end and provide timely direction. Marcus reassured the boys that they could easily drive to the key in 2 seconds and score a basket, as they practiced in training. The boys went back on the court and a three pointer was scored which clinched this game.

 

The boys confidence grew, as did their intensity and was followed with a further three wins, which gave them a berth in the Grand Final. In Game 5 the team came up against the Dandenong Rangers who had to win to secure their place in the final. Unfortunately the team went down by 10 points to the Rangers’ taller side, but the boys looked forward to the challenge ahead in the GF.

 

The Grand Final was played with extreme determination and skill by each player as exemplified by the grazes, cuts and knocks to the mouth and head that they endured with their exceptional intercepts, defensive rebounds and fast breaks. At half time, the falcons were down by 8 points. Coach Marcus rallied the boys, in his usual constructive approach and the team closed the lead back to 2 points, which Dandenong eventually won by (28-26) with Waverley as GF runners-up, which was naturally celebrated at the local McDonalds.

 

Regardless of the final score, each and every boy is to be praised for their determination and intensity during the tournament and the wonderful and respectful way in which they treated each other as well as their opponents.

 

We are also fortunate to have such an enthusiastic coach in Marcus who has provided exceptional development to the boys, whom the boys all admire and respect.

 

The experience of this tournament will greatly assist the team for the remainder of the season in Metro 1.

 

Results:

 

Waverley 2 vs Norwood Flames          Win 28-25

Waverley 2 vs North Bears                 Win 35-20

Waverley 2 vs Forestville                    Win 36-26

Waverley 2 vs Melb Tigers                 Win 37 – 26

Waverley 2 vs Dandenong Rangers    Loss 25-35

 

Grand Final

 

Waverley 2 vs Dandenong                  Runners Up 26-28