Blazers edge a seesaw clash with Railways

Blazers have recorded their first win in their inaugural men’s A-grade season in the Albany Basketball Association, after holding off a strong challenge from Railways on Tuesday night.

A fast start ensured Blazers finally broke their drought this week, a 19-5 opening run helping them overhaul Railways in an entertaining finish.

After Blazers controlled the early part of the round 7 contest, Railways hit 18 points in a row either side of half-time to snatch a four-point lead less than three minutes into the second half.

Blazers came flying out the blocks putting up nine of the first 10 points and through new player Jake Louthean and guard Zac Pearson they stretched their lead to 11 midway through the first half.

The margin reached a game-high 14 points with a minute to play before the break but a late basket from Kane Shephard and then a long bomb from Cyrus Upson with 10 seconds on the clock reduced the half-time deficit to nine for Railways

Railways came out firing in the second half hitting the first 13 points as they wrestled back control and hit the front by four.

Blazers were not going away, however, as they levelled scores and then inside the final five minutes, had taken the lead back.

Henrick Alforque hit a free throw but the creative Pearson stretched the margin back to seven with two minutes to play.

Upson hit another triple and then added a layup to make it a two-point game in the dying stages but Pearson iced the game, getting on the end of a pass out the back to ensure the four-point victory.

Fitzpatrick led all scorers with 13 points while Pearson added 12 for Blazers in the 39-35 win.

Kyle Smith (11 points) and Upson (10) led the way for Railways who lost a second game on the trot.

Ambassadors moved their way into second position after a convincing 80-54 win over last year’s grand finalists Barking Owls.

A dominant 44-point second half ensured the Ambassadors recorded their third win of the season one game adrift of top spot, as Caleb Carman (24) and Todd Kniuman (19) were both influential.

Xavier Brenton-Reed and Tristan Mackenzie led the way for Barking Owls with 15 and 13 points respectively.

Knights cruised to their fifth win of the year, crushing Tigers by 30 points.

Knights led by eight points at half time before a strong second half put the game to bed.

Henry Alforque led the way for Knights with 23 points as Knights won comfortably, 72-42.