Hoops

Eastern beats North

Incognito, it's a good thought that North and Norwood get together to use Mars but I don't know if there is any problems in doing this. I would say that North needs to atleast get its ABL teams out of Hillcrest and into a better stadium as this level of basketball warrants a better stadium. North can continue to use its stadium for junior training and games and also for church clubs but definitely NOT for ABL level of play.

I've said it before and still can't believe that they would hold preliminary finals in this tin shed. Particularly at Men's ABL level. The erection of a temporary stand did little apart from fit more spectators in and at the insistence of the Mavericks supporters as they alone had 250 coming for this game. The real problem is danger through lack of space. Men at ABL level play too fast and too furious. The danger is there not only for spectators who are only 2 feet away from the court but also to the players themselves. They bash into the walls at high speed without any space whatsoever to slow down before impact. The walls aren't even smooth and level with many steel beams protruding. Their game would have to be very much restricted also knowing the wall and spectators are so close. While North had an advantage because they are familiar with playing in such poor conditions, they still should not have to put up with these conditions. Perhaps that's why this club is so successful in both Men's and Women's ABL, they can deal with these restrictions better than the visiting club (just a thought).

Well done Mavericks, a great performance from the whole team under difficult conditions. Good luck against the Warriors.