By RUSSELL BENNETT
PAKENHAM’S Big V Division 2 win over Keilor on Saturday night may have been far from pretty.
But the fact that the Warriors pulled away to win by 15 points, 67-52, despite committing 22 turnovers and shooting just 35 per cent from the floor shows a real grit and determination that will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.
The contest loomed as somewhat of a mini grand final for Pakenham after two ugly losses – to Mornington and Coburg – the previous week in Round 6.
But fittingly Saturday night’s win came against the side that ended their season last year.
“It was just nice to get a win… point-blank!” said Warriors’ head coach Ryan Rogers.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks for us but to keep a side to 52 points, defensively, was big for us.
“We won the rebound count too, which was important.
“Getting 15 offensive boards says we were there with a real purpose throughout the game.”
The Warriors most likely would have blown the Thunder away if not for the turnover count, but after the final buzzer the only thing on Rogers’ mind was the win.
“Defensively I thought we applied strong pressure in different ways and they weren’t able to get the clean looks they would’ve liked,” he said.
Jay Richardson’s (4 points, 10 rebounds) willingness to throw his body around to keep possessions alive was crucial for the Warriors throughout the contest, as was Jim Viray’s shooting – particularly in the first half – as he finished with 18 points and seven boards. Hayden Davey and Sean Armstrong attacked the glass with purpose on both ends, while Jamie Stow showed an impressive array of offensive post moves – including a super-efficient baby hook.
“Jimmy Magrath gave us great minutes off the bench as that secondary ball-carrier as well,” Rogers said.
“It didn’t necessarily matter how we got the win – we just needed to do it.
“We’ve got ourselves back to .500 again but Shepparton is a massive task next week.
“Hopefully the boys can see some light at the end of the tunnel and they can take real confidence into next week.”
The Warriors currently sit a game outside the top four with four wins from their eight games so far.
