Game Recap: Sharks @ Whai
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Result: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (96) are defeated by SBS Bank Southland Sharks (102)
Both of these sides were coming off contrasting results. The Sharks showed utter dominance over the Hawks in a win while the Whai were coming off a loss against the Rams where offence struggled. This match, on paper, looked like a difficult matchup for the home side Whai, who were celebrating Reuben Te Rangi hitting 200 games. The bounce back from the Whai was immediately evident. The Sharks would initially take an 8-0 lead as it looked like the Whai's offence was carrying over from last game. But they'd surge back, with a collective team effort. Jett Thompson and Xanda Marsters would prove to be a spark off the bench offensively while Anzac Rissetto would help anchor the defence. Despite a combined 2-12 shooting from the Whai veterans, the Whai would carry a 2 point lead heading into the second half. It'd continue to be close out of the halftime break. For the Whai, Xanda Marsters would be the one to lead the team in scoring. Over the course of the evening, he'd shoot 70% from 3 point range and keep the home side in the match. Both teams would trade buckets until ultimately Jayden Bezzant had the opportunity to send it to overtime with a free throw, which he'd convert. As the match got chippy, big buckets would be traded down the stretch. ultimately it would be the Sharks to come out on top of an absolutely incredible match!
Leading Players
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai: Xanda Marsters (23p, 5r), Nick Stoddart (17p, 4a, 2s), Reuben Te Rangi (14p, 4r, 3a)
SBS Bank Southland Sharks: Caleb Asberry (31p, 6r, 4a, 2s), Tobias Cameron (23p, 11r, 2s), Sam Timmins (17p, 5r, 3a, 2s, 5b)
MVP Votes:
Caleb Asberry (Sharks) - 10
Sam Timmins (Sharks) - 7
Xanda Marsters (Whai) - 5
Tobias Cameron (Sharks) - 5
Reuben Te Rangi (Whai) - 2
Nick Stoddart (Whai) - 1
Rapid League game:
Result: Tauranga Whai (45) defeat the Southland Sharks (35)
On paper, the 2nd placed Tauranga Whai would look to make an easy win from the 11th placed Southland Sharks, but in Tauranga, the Sharks would not make it an easy challenge. A fair bout would take place in the first, with the Sharks holding a 1 point lead heading into the second. There Dane Bertinshaw would lead the Sharks to a strong second quarter and stretch their lead out to 7. Bertinshaw would have 16 points in the first and they looked to capitalise in the second half. But here, the Whai showed why they were a dangerous side. The visitor's lead would be eliminated as the Whai would hold the Sharks to only 2 points in the third. A massive 17 point outing from the home side in the fourth quarter would more than seal their victory.
Leading Players
Tauranga Whai: Xanda Marsters (14p, 3r), Josh Kelly (13p, 6r), Jett Thompson (8p, 2r, 4a, 3s)
Southland Sharks: Dane Bertinshaw (17p, 3a), Will Leger (10p, 6r), Quake Webster (8p)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Xanda Marsters (Whai) - 10
Josh Kelly (Whai) - 7
Dane Bertinshaw (Sharks) - 7
Will Leger (Sharks) - 3
Jett Thompson (Whai) - 2
Cole Hopoi (Whai) - 1
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