Wednesday night at Mt Aspiring College saw the Cromwell Suns annihilate the Hawea Men 68- 31 in a brutal showing in which the team gave a performance that shouted out to all their critics, "finalists!"
After a patchy start to the season the Suns came out against Hawea with speed and gusto and never looked back. Rhys Chamberlain kicked them off with a free throw and then a cheap two under the bucket. Andy Ritchie played his usual game and ran the floor looking out pace the opposition which he did several times. He finished with 7 points and a number of steals. Younger brother Michael was strong on the boards all night, especially on the offensive; and Cole Chamberlain chose his time to take some critical shots and subsequently kicked his team out to a double figure lead before half time. Other highlights in the first half had to be a couple of little teardrop, floaters off the glass by Central Otago player Jonny Roberts, a great block off the backboard by Chamberlain senior on what looked to be a certain fast break basket, and the substitution late in the half of part time coach and team mentor Ryan Roberts. He showed he hadn't lost any of his tenacity with some valuable boards, a stylish reverse put back, and a huge block which bought the scant crowd to its feet.
The second half saw the Suns kick to another level with great passing, accurate play execution, and great spirit. Even missing Nathan Roberts and Nick Scott for the second week in a row didn't seem to put any pressure on them. They were cool, calm, and calculated. Rhys Chamberlain finished the game with 30 and Jonny Roberts with 15 but the MVP had to be "The Big Diesel" Ryan Roberts who showed he still has what it takes and has a lot to offer the team going down the stretch.
Rhys Chamberlain 30 points
Jonny Roberts 15 points
Andy Ritchie 7 points
Cole Chamberlain 6 points
Ryan Roberts 2 points
Michael Ritchie 2 points
