The Cromwell Suns gave the Local Foreigners a lesson in how to scrap for a win when they beat the defending division two champions in the second round of the Wanaka Basketball competition.
It was a torrid affair with players diving for loose balls, hacking, and fouling themselves to a near stand still. The game was marred by constant niggling from the opposition which meant that the Suns could not really get into an offensive rhythm.
Rhys Chamberlain got them off to a fast start with a pair of free throws and a 3 point play to follow. Nick Scott continued his hot shooting with a quick 3 early on and Cole Chamberlain came up with a spectacular assist play when he tipped a lofted ball to Jonny Roberts which had their one man bench on their feet. But the Locals kept themselves in the game with their one man fast break, which the Suns failed to combat heading into halftime.
Leading by only 5 a halftime, the Suns had a lot to work on in the second half to grind out their first win of the season. The game mellowed out some what in the second period and they were able to get into their game with Roberts and Andy Richie leading the fast break and getting a flow on. In the end, the Cromwell Suns ran away with the game winning 39 - 25 on mainly fast break plays and cementing themselves as a definite contender for the finals.
Nathan Roberts was again strong under the hoop and on the boards and provided a valuable 8 points which compensated for the ongoing outside shooting woes of the Cromwellians. Treys were scarce with Scott's being the only, and the win could again be put down to the well organized zone defense and some avid and enthusiastic hustle from the entire team.
- Rhys Chamberlain 10 points
- Jonny Roberts 10 points
- Nathan Roberts 8 points
- Nick Scott 5 points
- Andy Ritchie 4 points
- Cole Chamberlain 2 points
