CANTERBURY RAMS vs SOUTHLAND SHARKS / FRIDAY MAY 17 @ 7PM
A cracking game on offer between two teams that delivered a ripping game to open the season, on that occasion the Sharks found enough down the stretch to claim a dramatic win. The Rams return to Horncastle Arena for this game and having been humbled by the Saints a few weeks ago at this venue, they will be super keen to chalk-up a win this time around. Both teams are starting to emerge as serious contenders this season and with so much on the line this promises to be another very close contest. Jarrad Weeks was in perfect form last week, leading the Sharks to dual wins and collecting 20 TAB MVP votes along the way. Emmett Naar will have the job of stopping Weeks, but don’t be surprised if Tony Tolovae gets an opportunity to lock him down at some stage as well. Mike Karena and Alex Pledger will battle it out in the paint, while Hyrum Harris looms as a bit of a wildcard for the visitors. All going to plan, new import Roberto Nelson will hopefully step on court for the first time in orange. Get set for an epic battle between two very good teams.
RAMS - Starting 5 4. Emmett Naar (guard) 3. Cam Gliddon (guard) 25. Tony Tolovae (guard) 17. Isaiah Wilkins (forward) 44. Mike Karena (forward)
Bench 5. Taylor Britt (guard) 1. Luke Aston (guard) 10. Sam Smith (guard) 30. Toby Gillooly (guard) *Questionable 9. Jonathan Janssen (forward) 45. Brent Fisher (forward) 24. Alex Talma (forward)
Coach: Mick Downer Assistant: Terry Brunel Assistant: Piet Van Hasselt Manager: Raewyn Britt Physio: Lidia Belles
From The Coach – Mick Downer Another week and another great challenge for our team as we look for redemption after our narrow Rd 1 defeat to the Sharks. A lot of basketball has been played since then with both teams making changes to their respective rosters. Australian Boomer Cameron Gliddon has replaced Adam Gibson and we have seen the return of exciting wing Tony Tolovae after his successful stint in Europe. Both teams are in form after recent wins and will be riding high with confidence as we battle it out at Horncastle Arena.
SHARKS - Starting 5 35. Alex Pledger (centre) 97. Jarrad Weeks (guard) 22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward) 24 . Todd Blanchfield (guard) 15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench 3. Roberto Nelson (guard) *Questionable 11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward) 14. Tai Wynyard (centre) 45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
Coach: Judd Flavell Assistant: Leyton Haddleton Manager: Troy Paulin
From The Coach – Judd Flavell The Rams have steadily improved and added some real quality players to their roster since we last played in round one. We are really looking forward to playing at Horncastle and I am sure the atmosphere will be great. It will be great to get our full squad on the court if we can in what’s going to be another fantastic match up.