Ballan Brumbies Basketball

Ballan Brumbies returned to the hardwood last Saturday as the basketball season resumed after the summer break.

The Under 14 Boys White took on Drummo Dragons looking to consolidate top spot on the ladder.

The boys started strongly as pesky defense from Jaxon Giofches and Charlie Black panicked Drummo's ball handlers, seeing the Brumbies two diminutive guards racing away for a series of easy baskets. When Logan Cassar connected on a short jumper inside, the frustrated Dragons coach called for a time out, his side trailing 12-0.

Ballan didn't let up. Another layup to Giofches and a putback by Paul Karimi after strong work on the offensive glass, saw Ballan extend their lead to 18 before Toby Knight finally got Drummo on the board.

Another basket to Paul Karimi, fed by younger brother Philip after an interception, saw Brumbies lead comfortably at the half, 22-4.

To their credit, Drummo didn't drop their heads, increasing their defensive pressure in the 2nd half. Their intensity stopped Ballan from getting easy baskets, limiting the Brumbies to contested attempts. Cassar was able to score under pressure and Black adjusted by getting to the free throw line, keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

Leo Reid, celebrating his birthday, and the elder Karimi were immense on the offensive glass, giving Ballan's scorers multiple attempts at the hoop, from which Black and Giofches benefited.

Drummo scored a pair of late baskets - a slaloming layup from Ryder Macklin a highlight - but it came to naught as the Brumbies ran out comprehensive 35-8 victors.

RESULTS – W/e Saturday 4 February

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 8 lost Saints Hornets 38

Ballan B 10 lost Saints Pistons 41

Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 24 def Sovereign Knights 20

Ballan C 39 def Wildcats 10

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 12 def Saints Comets 3

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F White 35 def Drummo Dragons 8

Ballan F Blue 27 def Sovereign Knights 17

Ballan D 40 def Celtic Tigers 25

Ballan C 42 def Wildcats 33

Under 14 Girls

Ballan B 19 def Drummo Dragons 14

Under 16 Boys

Ballan G White 36 def Wildcats 26

Ballan G Blue 10 lost Phoenix Rollers 63

Ballan E 17 lost Sovereign Knights 40

Ballan C 48 def Phoenix Supercats 30

Under 19 Boys

Ballan H 32 lost Phoenix Ninjas 33

Ballan E 33 def Phoenix Lions 24

Ballan D 38 lost Excies Acmy 56

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 30 drew Phoenix Fire 30

Winner of Monthly Medal - Peter Clifford 75-17-58.

R/up - Aggy Germon 84-18-65.

NTPs - 12th Greg McAloon, 15th Don Wickson. Magpies - 14th Barry Sims, 18th Frank Raffaele. Balls 4, Cut-off 65 Don Wickson, Aggy Germon, Peter Clifford, Chris Tudor.

Harness Highlights

By Len Baker

A local trotting trainer and driver scored a win at Geelong last week.

Ryan Duffy who stables at the McGuigan’s Gordon property, was successful aboard Kvintet Avenger-Sheza Spur 3YO gelding Nuclear Attitude in the Haras Des Trotteurs 3YO + Maiden Trotters Maiden, on Tuesday 31 January.

Given an easy time from inside the second line following polemarker Mont Sally, Ryan eased Nuclear Attitude three wide on the final bend to run home nicely and record a 1.9 metre victory over the pacemaker, with Mriya Dream third a neck away after racing exposed from the bell after a slow beginning from the extreme draw.

The mile rate was 2-05.6 and this was Duffy’s inaugural win as a trainer.

R1 Haras Des Trotteurs 3yo & Older - Maiden Trot

Tuesday 31 January 2023, Geelong

1st – 8. Nuclear Attitude

T: Ryan Duffy D: Ryan Duffy

2nd – 2. Mont Sally

T: Scott Garbutt D: Craig Demmler

3rd – 9. Mriya Dream

T: Alison Alford D: Chris Alford