The Southlands Willetton Tigers Women and Men both came up triumphant in Friday night’s away fixture against close rivals the Cockburn Cougars to claim the inaugural Community Newspaper Group (CNG) Cups.

The CNG Cup concept has been introduced to highlight the great tradition and rivalry between the two associations and to recognise the long standing support and partnerships both clubs have with CNG. First up the Tigers Women extended their run of good basketball leading at every break to comfortably top the up and down ninth placed Cougar Women and win 80-46, stetching their winning streak to eight wins since losing their season opener six weeks ago.

Tiger co-captain Melissa Marsh led all scorers with 23 points along with 7 assists and 6 rebounds. Fellow co-captain Tiger guard Kate Malpass backed up her amazing 37 point performance against Slammers last weekend to put up double-double numbers with 14 points and 10 assists.

The captains took great delight in accepting the CNG Cup in the post game presentation.

Averaging a winning margin of over 20 points per game, the Tigers Women have cemented their place as strong title contenders again in 2010, just seven weeks in to the season.

The Tigers Men capped off the evening with a hard fought 97-73 victory, to claim the Men’s CNG Cup.

After a tight first half, the Tigers lock down defense came out and restricted the Cougars to just 8 field goals for the rest of the game.

Tiger tall timber Daniel Johnson made it his fourth 30 plus effort for the season with 31 points including 12 of 12 free-throw shooting, backing up his 14 of 14 free throws of last Sunday and putting him on a remarkable consecutive streak.

Former Cougar Mark Jones wasn’t far behind for the Tigers with an impressive 22 points.

The Tigers will have a chance to defend their hold of CNG Cups in round sixteen on 25th June when they host the Cougars at Willetton Basketball Stadium.

Check out the Canning Times (on Tue 27/4) for photographs taken at the game by the CNG photographers.

The Tigers take on the powerful Redbacks teams TONIGHT (Sat 24/4/2010) at Willetton in what promises to be a big night... get on down for the 6pm Women's tip-off, followed by the Men at 8pm.

Next Saturday (1st May) will see the Lakeside Lightning visit the Tigers in what is sure to be another firing rivalry match up between the geographically close clubs. The Lightning Women were one of only a few teams to trouble the Championship Tigers of 2009 last season.

The Tigers Men will get their first shot this season at the defending Champions and 2010 early ladder leading Lightning. Women tip off at 6pm and the Men at 8pm at Willetton Basketball Stadium.

Article by Willetton Tigers
Photo by Mick Cronin

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