Sharks Douse Rockets in National Playoffs
The Sutherland Sharks (WABL) have qualified for the semi finals of the Australian Basketball Association (ABA) championships, after defeating their QABL opponents, the Rockhampton Rockets, 98-87 on Saturday night at the Sutherland Basketball Stadium.
There had been much conjecture over the Sharks ability to win this game, in spite of their impressive record in winning this year's WABL competition.
The Sharks also won the WABL premiership title in 2006 but stumbled at the first leg of the national playoffs that year, falling to the Sandringham Sabres (Big V) in the quarter finals.
Sharks head coach Phil Vannan was mindful of that performance and had his team primed to perfection, with the final training session before Saturday night's big game arguably the best of the year.
Game time, however, saw the Sharks uncharacteristically tentative on offence, unable to unleash their customary free-flowing offence against a tenacious Queensland opponent.
"Comeback-King" Rod Proctor kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Sharks in the first quarter, as the home team dawdled to a 21-16 lead at the break, then Brendon Gleeson stepped up in the second quarter to lead the Sharks out to a 47-37 scoreline at half time.
Rockets head coach Neal Tweedy obviously had plenty to say in the locker room during the break and the Rockets came out firing on all cylinders in the third term.
American import Peter Bullock finally began using his size to full advantage in the paint, while former Perth Wildcats NBL guard Ben Thompson began raining three-pointers from beyond the arc.
The Rockets won the third term 30-22 and it was "game on" from that moment, with the Sharks struggling to get back into rhythm and the visitors sensing victory was there for the taking.
The Sydney Kings NBL duo of swing-man Cameron Tovey and point guard BJ Carter stepped up in "money-time", showcasing the outstanding form which has swept the Sharks to two consecutive WABL premiership titles.
Photo: Cameron Tovey in action for the Sharks earlier in the season (from www.photoexcellence.com.au)
Tovey went to work in the paint, tormenting the taller and stronger Bullock with his athleticism and mobility, while Carter delivered one of the biggest daggers late in the term, burying a long-range three-point bomb on the buzzer to effectively bury the Rockets aspirations for victory.
Coach Vannan said "They were missing their big man (Cameron Tragardh) but I think it wouldn't have been any different if he had played."
"Different players stood up for them tonight and I don't think they could have played any better", said Vannan. "We were nervous tonight - we were ranked as favourites and I think the pressure showed."
"BJ (Carter) hit that three-pointer on the buzzer and it was a dagger" said Vannan.
"We're now in the semis and I think we'll be back to our best next week."
"It's hard to know what to expect but there won't be any easy games, irrespective of which team we meet."
The Sharks now move on to Melbourne this weekend to meet the Dandenong Rangers (SEABL), while the QABL premiers the Cairns Marlins (who defeated the Sydney Comets 110-95 in Cairns on Friday night) play the Geelong Supercats (SEABL).
Both games, in addition to Sunday's grand final between the two winners of the above games, will be played at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Sutherland Sharks 98 (Cameron Tovey 22 points, 14 boards; BJ Carter 16 points, 10 assists; Rod Proctor 10 points, Brendon Gleeson 16, Blake Henricks) defeated Rockhampton Rockets 87 (Peter Bullock 25 points, 26 boards; Ben Thompson 21 points, 6 assists; Tony Campbell 17 points, Glen Scott 10)
Sharks in preliminary semis in 13s and 16s; split Olympic games
The Sharks under 13s and 16s have both qualified for the preliminary semi-finals at NSW Soccer Headquarters at Valentine Park next Saturday. Their games are as follows.
Under 13: Sutherland Shire Sharks (2) v Marconi Stallions (3) at 8.45am
Under 16: Sutherland Shire Sharks (4) v Manly United FC at 1.30pm
The Sharks had a good start to the last round on August 18 by winning both the 13s and 14s over Sydney Olympic. The 13s had a six goal scoring feast as a strong rehearsal for the play-offs. However, the day deteriorated from there with losses in the 15s and 18s and a draw for the play-off bound 16s against their lower placed opponents (7th).
Full results for the Sharks games on August 18 against Sydney Olympic at Hensley Athletic Field were:
Sharks U13 won 6 - 1
Sharks U14 won 1 nil
Sharks U15 lost 1 - 2
Sharks U16 drew 1 all
Sharks U18 lost 3 - 2 Second Brazilian to join “Locals” at Sydney FC
Sydney FC has completed its recruitment ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Season with the signing of Brazilian striker Patrick Roberto Daniel Da Silva. The 22-year-old forward from Sydney FC marquee man Juninho's home town of Sao Paulo has put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
Da Silva not only joins Juninho at Sydney but also a number of players with a Sutherland Shire connection. These include: 33 year old striker David Zdrilic who played with Sutherland as a junior before playing senior football with St George, Sydney United and various European clubs; 19 year old striker Ben Vidiac who also played as a junior with the Sutherland Shire.
Photo: David Zdrilic takes on Kevin Muscat in Sydney’s pre-season win over 2007 premiers Melbourne (from www.sydneyfc.com)
Patrick Da Silva started his career with the world famous Sao Paulo club at which Juninho is a living legend and has also represented Vitoria (Brazil), Altamira (Mexico), Mogi Mirim (Brazil), GR Barueri (Brazil) and National Atletico Clube (Brazil), Six-foot-tall Patrick is excited at the prospect of linking up with one of Brazil's all-time greats.
"Juninho's respected throughout Brazil and I can't wait to play in the same side as him," said Patrick.
Sydney FC coach Branko Culina believes that Patrick will prove to be a good acquisition for the club. "We've got ourselves a handy striker, someone who's quick on the ground, strong in the air and skilful on the ball," said Culina. "He's an exciting player."
Marquee man Juninho has made his long-awaited Sydney FC debut, playing the first 45 minutes against Penrith Nepean United at CUA Stadium last Friday night
Sydney FC coach Branko Culina chose to start Juninho versus the New South Wales Premier League side and the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning midfielder featured in a 4-2-3-1 formation, lining up directly behind lone striker Alex Brosque with Steve Corica and Adam Biddle on his left and right respectively.
Juninho laid on a couple of decent chances for his new teammates before Sydney FC took the lead in the 27th minute, Qantas Socceroos star Mark Milligan heading home the ball from Ufuk Talay's free kick. Penrith Nepean United scored a scrappy equaliser just before the break and then, after Culina substituted almost all his starters for the second period, the home side forged ahead and held on to win 2-1 in front of approximately 5000 fans.
Sydney kicks off its 2007 A-League campaign on Friday night August 24 against traditional rivals Central Coast Mariners. The game is at the recently re-named Sydney Football Stadium (formerly Aussie Stadium) beginning at 8pm. Sutherland Shire Netball Grand Finals
The Sutherland Shire Netball Association grand finals are to be held next weekend. To check out the draw for the grand finals go to www.ssna.asn.au
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