By JARROD POTTER
SENDING the fans off on a high, Casey Cavaliers shot their way to a four-point win over Coburg.
A triple-header extravaganza left both crowds in frenzy for the final match of the night, which Stewart Baird’s cavalry was able to claim before the long weekend break.
The faster finishing Giants brought the gap back approaching the final whistle but cooler Cavalier heads emerged victorious in the 62-58 win.
The tall timber stood strong as Matt Witherden (15 points), Dean Johnson (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Matt Pebole (8 points, 10 rebounds) all threatened to notch double-doubles, while Steve Michalski weaved his magic to set up a seven-point, five-assist match from just on 20 minutes game time.
The Cavaliers’ men have cemented their second-place standing in Big V Division 2 – going a game clear of local rival Keysborough.
Once again the Casey women were forced into a nail-biter, with Coburg just taking the match 78-71 in overtime.
The Cavaliers were down on players with guard Erin Ludwick out injured.
The remaining Cavaliers dug deep to hold off Coburg’s big three – Merle Hall (27 points), Tracy Tuesley (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Jaylen-Rose Hawea (17 points, 9 rebounds).
Heading into overtime 63-all, shots didn’t land for Casey this week -managing only two-of-nine field goals – while Coburg moved away from the first whistle as Hall drilled a giant three-pointer before storming ahead to claim a seven-point win.
Shooting 11-of-24 from the free throw line cost the Cavaliers dearly and 15 turnovers didn’t help the cause either.
Casey’s numbers weren’t as individually tailored as Coburgs – with a better spread of scorers and defensive efforts under the ring. Natalie Dowdy (10 points, 8 rebounds), Cassie Bridge (9 points, 5 rebounds) and Jess Szalek (8 points, 5 rebounds) were strong rotating through power forward/centre while Sammie Johnson (10 points, 5 rebounds) chipped in another consistent statistical contribution.
Casey’s women now drop below the fold – sitting sixth with an 8-5 record – after once leading the competition – following Round 5.
Casey’s youth men sit third after a 10-point loss to Coburg. Charles So (19 points) and David Gormlie (12 points, 7 rebounds) were best for the Cavaliers.
After the break, Casey men face Maccabi at home on Sunday 15 June, the women travel to Blackburn on Saturday night and the youth men have a double-header away at Southern Peninsula on Saturday before hosting Melton on Sunday afternoon.
