Bandits score Raiders win

By Greg Oakford
A DISMAL fourth quarter display by the Knox Ford Raiders’ men’s SEABL team almost cost them a first round home final as the Albury/Wodonga Bandits outscored the Raiders 30-12 to record a six-point victory.
The Raiders could have secured third spot on the East Conference ladder with a win in Albury but instead needed to rely on another upset as the Dandenong Rangers pulled off a win against the Brisbane Spartans in Brisbane.
Fortunately for Knox, the Dandenong upset meant the Raiders would still finish third with a 15-12 record and set up a home final this Saturday evening against Brisbane at Knox Converse Stadium.
Last week’s player of the week, Lester Strong continued his recent run of form with 25 points and eight rebounds with Mick Hill contributing with 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Massingale scored 14 points on just 10 shot attempts, his second lowest total attempts for the season.
For the Bandits, the import duo of Travis Gabbidon and Ryan Bright combined for 66 points and 21 rebounds whilst former Raiders championship player Daniel Briglia notched up 17 points.
The Raiders will put the disappointing end to their regular season behind them and look forward to this Saturday’s SEABL East grand final replay at Knox Converse Stadium when they face off against the Brisbane Spartans in an elimination semi-final. Tip-off is at 8pm.
Meanwhile, the Knox Ford Raiders SEABL women have capped off a great last few rounds with a comprehensive 78-58 win over the Albury/Wodonga Lady Bandits in Albury on Saturday night.
The win marked the Raiders fourth consecutive victory and elevated the team to fourth position to end the regular season.
By finishing fourth, Knox Converse Stadium will now play host to a first round final this coming Saturday against the Ballarat Lady Miners.
Entering their encounter with the Lady Bandits, the scenario was simple for the Raiders; win and guarantee a finals spot with the chance of a home final or lose and put their finals chances in jeopardy.
Amy Denson led the way all game for the Raiders, finishing with a game-high 21 points to go along with 14 rebounds and three assists. She was well supported by Sarah Graham – who poured in 17 points and four rebounds – and youngster Shanae Greaves who stamped her mark on the game during the second quarter.
The Raiders will host the Lady Miners this Saturday night at Knox Converse Stadium in an elimination final at a time still to be announced.