SEABL, Bandits v Frankston, Lady Bandits v Ballarat.

Saturday night saw a double header at the Albury Sports Stadium with the Lady Bandits first up against the Ballarat Lady Miners.
Given their respective positions on the ladder, win loss ratio and so on the Lady Bandits were always going to be a chance to notch up another win at home.
However they didn't have things all their own way.
After they lead by a couple of baskets at the first break the Miners came back and took a 2 point lead going to half time.
Big efforts from Toni Edmondson, (28 points, 13 rebounds) and Lisa Wallbutton, (19 and 16) kept the home team strong in the final half.
With support from Alex Duck, (13 and 3) and Tara Blair, (11 and 3) the girls were able to hold on for a well earned victory, 77-64.

The men had a tougher proposition ahead of them when they faced Frankston with an unbeaten record.
The first term saw some physical work both under the basket and around the court and the Bandits went to the break with a handy 9 point buffer.
From there however the Blues stepped up the pace.
Their big men in David Gruber, (31 and 15) and Rob Kampman, (26 and 7) cut loose and caused some real headaches for coach Madigan.
The physicality of the match brought tempers to a head in the last term but by then the Blues had the score on the board and took the win 103-87.
Top performers for the Bandits were Lockett, (24 and 13) De Coeyer, (18 and 7), and Gange, (18 and 3).
Overall not a bad effort from the Bandits given the strength of the opposition.

Trevor.

Bandits v Kilsyth

Easter Saturday saw the Bandits host Kilsyth at Albury stadium and while a disappointing result for the Bandits the game still provided it's fair share of entertainment.
Local radio presenters Matt and LC called the game in the dry witted style that has made them so popular in the region.
A healthy crowd attended offering support for both the home side and the visitors.
And of course the usual physical encounter provided ample opportunity to cheer and jeer.
Fernandez Lockett once more provided entertainment with the athletic prowess we've already welcomed here on the border, pulling down some great rebounds and slamming a magnificent 'oop' that left the crowd roaring.
(Bit of a shame this photographer hadn't caught it...)
Overall it was great night out.
Of course it would have been better with another Bandits win but it wasn't to be.
Kilsyth simply started too hard and held their ascendancy, pulling away for most of the game.
Next weekend sees a double header at Albury Stadium with the Lady Bandits taking on Ballarat Miners while the men host Frankston.
Here's looking forward to another great night of basketball.

Trevor.

Bandits Big Night.

Albury/Wodonga Bandits faced another night of home games with the Lady Bandits facing Nunnawading and the men facing Mt. Gambier.
The women started hard and performed solidly throughout the game to take a well deserved and much overdue victory.
The star NZ imports performed well again as did local Alex Duck returning to her usual aggressive form.
Elle Gleeson found her feet again and overall the whole team lifted to take the win to resounding applause from the home crowd.
The men faced the Pioneers and ex Bandit Andrew Rice in what may well have appeared to be a foregone conclusion.
The Bandits, however, were quick out of the blocks and looked in control for the most part of the match.
With the Pioneers closing the gap several times and looking like pulling ahead import Fernandez Lockett was inspirational yet again claiming some big defensive rebounds.
Of course the highlight of his game in his short time in Albury has been his athletic dunks and Saturday night was no exception.
With plenty of support from DeKoeyer and Gange etc the boys were able to hang on for a great win.
It's been a while since the Albury stadium has heard such an ovation as received by both these teams.
Here's hoping to more of the same this season!

Trevor.

Water Polo Grand Finals

Albury Pool hosted the senior Grand Finals
in water polo starting early Sunday morning
March 29th.
With the sun hiding behind trees and
buildings the scenario faced me where the
player was often in full sun while the ball
was in full shade, or vice versa.
However the teams were pumped and the
atmosphere was as warm as the early morning
sun as the C grade final swung into action.

As the day warmed so did the competition
with the B and A grade men and women to
follow.
Some close games showed the even level of competition in the local league and I'm sure the players were quite comfortable in the cool water of the Albury pool, compared
to my position atop one of the diving blocks!

Quite a few young players took to the water, many of whom I've seen on the court at domestic and representative basketball not to mention their involvement in Netball, Aussie Rules etc.

It's good to see our youth encouraged to be a part of all sports in what is well known as a big sporting town.
(We did produce Lauren Jackson!)

As far as the day went all members retired to the Star Hotel for presentations after and were treated to a couple of slide shows containing images I've taken the last couple of weeks.

All in all a great day out.

Here's just a couple of shots from the day.

Trevor.

SEABL, Bandits, Lady Bandits.

SEABL basketball began a couple of weeks back and Albury/Wodonga Bandits played their first home game last weekend.
With a new look team and coach for both the men and women a big season awaits.
In recent years the Bandits have struggled to be competitive in what has become a strong winter fixture.
Last week's game saw new recruit Fernandez Lockett take the court and show his style.
With some great athleticism he stole the show for the local crowd however he wasn't the only highlight for the evening.
New Zealanders Antonia Edmondson and Lisa Wallbutton took the court for the Lady Bandits and of course the usual local stars chipped in to show some promise for the season ahead.
Go Bandits!

Trevor.

Water Polo

I was asked to go shoot some water polo last weekend and jumped at the opportunity.
Saturday consisted of junior grand finals while Sunday's games were preliminary finals for the seniors.
Water polo is a sport I've had nothing to do with in the past and only ever viewed the spectacle during the Olympic Games and other such events.
While expecting a tough hit out I was surprised by the physical nature of the game.
A lot obviously goes on under the water and the level of overall fitness required is something to be admired.
The Grand Finals take place this weekend and I was happy to be asked to return and cover those as well.
After being thrown in the deep end last weekend I'm pumped about the upcoming games and looking forward to some great images.

Trevor.

End of NBL season.

With a few personal dramas along the way I was unable to attend many games in the latter half of the NBL season.
I did however make it to the final game of the season.
This turned out to be game five of the grand final series.
Melbourne Tigers had managed to level the series at two games all and faced South Dragons at Hisense Arena.
On entry to the court it was obvious space was at a premium, not in the crowd but court-side for capturing images of the event.
Settling down at one end I began shooting.
The Tigers set out in an inspired fashion as was expected of such a class outfit.
The Dragons had other ideas and soon closed to gap to stamp their authority on the game.
As is now history they took the game in dominant style.
For my part it was a bittersweet experience having once followed the great Sydney Kings.
Without a team in the league I was forced to look elsewhere.
I'd originally liked the look of the Dragons but ultimately leaned towards the re-badged Sydney Spirit.
In this particular game my money was on the Tigers as I'd been made to feel very welcome at their home court, The Cage.
Despite my dilemma it was anything but a disappointing final.
The Dragons thoroughly deserved the win and as far as entertainment value goes it was right up there.
My photographic efforts now turn to SEABL and other local sports.
I'm hoping for a solid season for the Albury/Wodonga Bandits although some rebuilding has taken place.
Time will tell.

Trevor.