If the Shepparton Gators’ 2022 Big V Division One season was a story, they unfortunately weren’t given the all-important fairy-tale ending, falling to Bellarine Storm in a hard-fought grand final series.
After dropping an enthralling game one by four points at Bellarine Sports Centre the previous weekend, the Gators returned to their Shepparton Sports Stadium home itching to bounce back and force a decisive game three.
But in similar fashion to the series opener, Shepparton wasn’t able to close the deal down the stretch, falling 75-67 after being outscored by 10 points in the final quarter.
An unfortunate end to what was an otherwise widely successful campaign, Gators coach Josh Waight said his team was outclassed by an impressive Bellarine unit.
“It was definitely a disappointing result, full credit to Bellarine, they played really well and took it right up to us,” Waight said.
“At the end of the day we just didn’t hit the shots we usually hit and Bellarine were excellent on the defensive end, limiting our ability to get our offence going.
“The boys still fought really hard through both games and as a coach I was proud of their efforts.”
With a sold out crowd making its way to Shepparton Sports Stadium for the cut-throat decider, intensity was up from the opening tip-off as the teams traded blows in what was an entertaining first quarter.
Trailing by one at the first change, it was more of the same in the second term, as the sides went basket-for-basket to have the scores locked away at 34 at half-time.
As the third quarter began it was anybody’s game.
And in the early stages of the second half it would be the Gators who got their noses in front, as the likes of Sam Beks and Matthew Andronicos got going on the offensive end to hand their team a two-point advantage at the final change.
With the home crowd behind it, it was all set up for Shepparton to charge home and force that decisive game three.
But, unfortunately, for the Gators’ faithful, the match would not go to script as Bellarine stepped up in a big way down the stretch.
Keeping Shepparton to 14 final-quarter points, the Storm added 24 of their own to clinch the eight-point win and more importantly the title.
Finishing with a field goal percentage of 37.33 per cent while shooting just 13.33 per cent from three-point range, Waight said his team’s inability to get anything going on the offensive end was the difference in the game.
“We just felt like we couldn’t get any momentum offensively and when it felt like we were building a bit they would hit a big shot at the other end,” he said.
“So credit to them, they were really good on Saturday night and made things really difficult for us.”
Andronicos was the star of the night for Shepparton, with the big centre recording 18 points and 10 rebounds.
While power forward Beks was also prolific, finishing with 14 points.
And as the sun sets on season 2022 for the Gators, Waight said his team achieved a lot during the past four months and was excited to see what the future holds for his squad.
“The boys did a fantastic job to get in the position of playing in a grand final, unfortunately we were unable to get the job done, but they should still be really proud of themselves,” he said.
“To our crowd, they did an amazing job all year in getting us over the line and supporting us and we really appreciate their influence on our season this year.
“Basketball is back on the map in Shepparton, which is pleasing, and we cannot wait to get cracking again next year.”