Strong first-half ensures Denmark Magpies remain the only undefeated side in men’s A-grade competition

Denmark Magpies remain the only undefeated team in the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade competition after a comfortable 23-point victory over The Sharks on Tuesday night. Denmark and Railways Tigers were both unbeaten heading into round four. But Railways suffered a nine-point loss to Barking Owls to leave Denmark alone at the top standings. The win was set-up in the first half as Denmark worked their way to 16-point advantage by half-time in their inaugural season. Denmark shot out of the blocks in the first 10 minutes, opening up a double-digit lead and controlled the game from that point on. Within the first five minutes of the second half Denmark had extended the margin to beyond 20 points. The Sharks tried to fight back reducing the margin on a number of occasions but they could not sustain the effort. Scoring dried up in the final five minutes of the game, however, as Denmark finished commanding 53-30 winners to continue their impressive start to their first A-grade season. Reagan Hutchinson led the way for Denmark with 17 points, 10 in the first half, and Sam Finigan was also terrific with 14 points. Jake Louthean top-scored for The Sharks with 13 points. Barking Owls made an early season statement, knocking off Railways in round four. After starting well, Barking Owls led by seven at half-time and finished 58-49 winners. Justin Benson top scored with 18 and Tom Powell (13 points) was also damaging in the win while for Railways Angus Brampton finished with 13 points. Infernos jumped into the top four after outlasting a persistent Raiders outfit, 54-40. They led by six at half-time and it took until the final 10 minutes to shrug off Raiders and chalk up a 14-point triumph. In the other fixture, Ambassadors claimed their first win of the season against Tigers, 41-35.