Albany Basketball Association’s division four women’s side complete undefeated week with grand final triumph

Albany Basketball Association’s division four women’s team capped off a perfect weekend at the Basketball WA Senior Country Championships in Perth with grand final glory. After going through their qualifying games undefeated, Albany proved too classy in Monday’s grand final as they defeated Karratha who were also undefeated heading into the decider. In the first half Albany settled early and took control of the game from the outset as they scored eight of the first 10 goals and led by six points at half-time. Albany scored the first six baskets of the second half to stretch their lead to 12 points and the margin ballooned out to a game-high 15 points with six minutes remaining. Karratha fought back, knocking down eight of the last 10 baskets but it was not enough as Albany prevailed 23-14. Elissa Cale was named most valuable player in the grand final after hitting four points along with Tamara Button and Katie Woodhams, while Stacey Wishart was also impressive. But it was an all-round team performance that helped Albany secure the nine-point win. In the men’s masters competition, Albany made the grand final but fell to Bunbury 28-57. Albany won four out of their five qualifying games to finish second on the ladder behind Bunbury but were not able to cause an upset in the decider. Trailing by 19 at half time, Albany were outgunned in the last half and lost by 29 points despite the efforts of Tristan Mackenzie (12 points) and Stuart Myers (6). Albany’s division four men won two games to finish fourth in their pool while Denmark were winless. In the women’s division three competition, Albany won two games and had one draw from their five qualifying fixtures to finish fourth overall. Denmark men finished third in their division three pool and men’s division five were fifth. The Albany division three men’s team finished sixth while Jerramungup claimed the men’s division five title.