If you like watching high scoring basketball, the Ringwood Hawks would have made your day on Sunday as they edged past the Werribee Devils 116 to 112 at Werribee.

Whilst the fans there may have been happy, the Hawks Coaching staff was a little less impressed, particularly with the Hawks defensive focus against the explosive Devils offense.

“Let’s give the Devils credit, they shot very well.” Hawks Assistant Coach Damien Smith said.

“But the amount of mistakes we made at both ends of the court was infuriating.”

The Hawks started well and built a double figure lead in the opening 5 minutes, but the Devils quickly responded and at quarter it was only a 6 point game. There was no shortage of Hawks getting amongst the points, but defensive stops for both teams was a rare event. The game stayed close to the half with Ringwood up by just three after blowing another double figure lead late in the second quarter.

After what was clearly some stern words by Hawks Coach Ken Harrington at the half time break, the Hawks again built a lead for the third time, but again the Devils fought back through great perimeter shooting. The last quarter was set up to be a classic.

The Devils threatened to take the lead midway through the last quarter, but Scottie Stone (28 points and 7 rebounds). Trevor Latham (19 points and 7 rebounds) and Matt Snow (15 points and 7 assists) found big baskets when needed. The Hawks managed to hold off the plucky Devils by just 4 points.

“We got the win, which was the goal, but we did not play very well this the game.” Hawks star Matt Snow said.

“Kenny gave us a pretty stern word or two at the half and we deserved it. It was needed.”

The win has now moved the Hawks a game clear in first place with 11 wins and just 2 losses. But there is still plenty of work ahead after their sketchy showing on Sunday and Smith senses the Hawks have a few big challenges ahead.

“Our next game will be the biggest test so far. He said.

“The Waverley game in two weeks will be a cracker.”

The Hawks and the Big V will be on holidays next week for the Queen’s Birthday weekend, but Ringwood will need to remain focused as the following Sunday (16th June) they will be celebrating the kids of Clubfoot Australia. It is expected to be spectacular night of entertainment as the Hawks face their biggest test of the year, the Waverley Falcons.

RINGWOOD HAWKS 116 (Stone 28 Latham 19, Gibson 18, Fennell 17, Snow 15, Clarke 12) defeated WERRIBEE DEVILS 112 (Kulas 40) at Eagle Stadium in Werribee.