Wednesday, 13th June, 2012

It was no easy feat for the WheelKings to get into the 2012 NWBL finals but all that is forgotten as they now have a shot at the title. Let's not forget that Sydney Uni's previous 2 titles were won the hard way, through the minor semi-final.

In 1996, Sydney became champions from 3rd place and then in 1999 they won it all from 4th. However, it rarely happens because it's such a tough challenge. The 3rd versus 4th semi-final is played at 11am on the Saturday morning and the winner has to play again that night at 7pm against the rested loser of the 1st versus 2nd semi which was played the previous night. If the WheelKings win that, they then play the Gold Medal game on the Sunday which would be their third finals-intensity game in just over 24 hours against a team that has had 2 night's rest. A tough ask but it's been done before.

With the return of starting guard Keegan Oh-Chee from overseas, the WheelKings will be close to full strength. However, the late mail is that big man Jason Voncina may not be available due to work commitments. That's a huge blow as he played his best basketball at the end of the regular season and was particularly impressive against Dandenong who Sydney Uni play in the minor semi-final.

Much will be asked of Sarah Stewart in the backup forward spot and coach Hewson will also be rotating his smaller guards to find the best combination in the second unit. This sort of adversity is nothing new to the WheelKings who lost key players early in the season and, as they say, anything is possible in the finals.

The Sydney starters - Kylie Gauci, Keegan, Josh Meoli, CJ Grogan, Craig Cannane -  will all have to bring their best games if they are to have a chance of winning. Bench depth is important when playing so many games therefore Sarah, Brad Grove, Yara Ryan, Katie Hill and Tina McKenzie have to be ready to make an impact when called upon by Hewson.

Defending champions Wollongong Roller Hawks have to be favourites again but Perth are an equally dangerous side who had won the previous 5 titles. Firstly though, the WheelKings have to get past the Dandenong Rangers who won the regular season matches 2-1. These were all thrilling contests and this game promises to be  even more exciting with so much on the line. So, get down to Shellharbour this Saturday morning and cheer on your favourite team - Sydney Uni WheelKings!

 

2012 NWBL Finals details:

Game 1: Major semi (1st vs 2nd) - 7.30pm Friday, June 15

Wollongong Rollerhawks vs Be Active Perth Wheelcats

Game 2: Minor semi (3rd vs 4th) - 11am Saturday, June 16

Victoria Dandenong Rangers vs Sydney Uni WheelKings

Game 3: Preliminary Final - 7pm Saturday, June 16

Loser Game 1 vs Winner Game 2

Bronze Medal Game - 10.30am Sunday, June 17

Loser Game 3 vs Loser Game 2

Gold Medal Game - 1pm Sunday, June 17

Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 3


Finals hosted by Wollongong Roller Hawks at

Shellharbour City Stadium
Croome Road, Albion Park
(02) 4257 3468

FROM SYDNEY OR WOLLONGONG
Continue south along the F6 freeway until it merges into the Princes Highway at Yallah. Travel south through the suburb of Albion Park Rail until you come to the intersection of the Princes Highway and Tongarra Road; McDonalds is on your left. Turn right into Tongarra Road and 3rd left into Croome Road.

Tickets: Adults $5, Children/Concession $3