Basketballers back after break

Narrabri Basketball Association hosted round eight of its mixed season this week as the teams returned from a two-week school holiday break.

However the men’s teams were forced to wait another week after storms yesterday afternoon forced the committee to cancel the two scheduled matches.

The two round eight mixed matches were contested on Tuesday evening as Namoi Hotel took on Bowlo Dry Lakers and the RSL Raptors challenged Sporties Club.

Yesterday Telstra Magic was scheduled to play the Gumboot Ballers before a showdown between Bowlo Celtics and Tatts Titans.

The Bowlo Dry Lakers and the RSL Raptors won their respective matches.

RSL Raptors’ Pete Calsena, right, drives past Sporties Club’s Stan Iramu. RSL Raptors’ Pete Calsena, right, drives past Sporties Club’s Stan Iramu.

Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Sophie McFarland dribbles the ball up-court. Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Sophie McFarland dribbles the ball up-court.

Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Jake Tester, middle, searches for a teammate to pass to as Namoi Hotel’s Bill Melbourne defends closely. Referee Liam Sims, right, looks on. Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Jake Tester, middle, searches for a teammate to pass to as Namoi Hotel’s Bill Melbourne defends closely. Referee Liam Sims, right, looks on.

Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Alysse Pownall, front, searches for a teammate to kick the ball out to. Behind from left to right are Rebecca Francis, Sharmaine Cunningham and Trish Lawty (obscured). Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Alysse Pownall, front, searches for a teammate to kick the ball out to. Behind from left to right are Rebecca Francis, Sharmaine Cunningham and Trish Lawty (obscured).

Namoi Hotel’s Melanie Clarke, middle, gets a shot away before Bowlo Dry Lakers defenders Alysse Pownall, left, and Onika McConnell can arrive to block the shot. Namoi Hotel’s Melanie Clarke, middle, gets a shot away before Bowlo Dry Lakers defenders Alysse Pownall, left, and Onika McConnell can arrive to block the shot.

Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Rick Duggan passes as Namoi Hotel’s Steve Berger attempts to intercept. Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Rick Duggan passes as Namoi Hotel’s Steve Berger attempts to intercept.

Namoi Hotel’s Sharmaine Cunningham prepares to shoot as Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Onika McConnell keeps her hands up in defence. Namoi Hotel’s Sharmaine Cunningham prepares to shoot as Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Onika McConnell keeps her hands up in defence.

Namoi Hotel’s Steve Berger sparks a counter attack by throwing a long pass on the run. Namoi Hotel’s Steve Berger sparks a counter attack by throwing a long pass on the run.

RSL Raptors’ Sarah Hewett shoots. RSL Raptors’ Sarah Hewett shoots.

RSL Raptors’ Ashlea Smith shoots as Sporties Club’s Sarah Purdy gets her hands up to block. RSL Raptors’ Ashlea Smith shoots as Sporties Club’s Sarah Purdy gets her hands up to block.

RSL Raptors’ Paul Bushby searches for a passing option RSL Raptors’ Paul Bushby searches for a passing option

RSL Raptors’ Jess Lauritsen passes after dribbling between Sporties Club defenders Josie Clarke and Sarah Purdy. RSL Raptors’ Jess Lauritsen passes after dribbling between Sporties Club defenders Josie Clarke and Sarah Purdy.

Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Travis Heffernan drives to the basket. Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Travis Heffernan drives to the basket.

The Dry Lakers downed Namoi Hotel 25-23, and the Raptors outscored Sporties Club 43-20.

In the first match of the week the Bowlo Dry Lakers and Namoi Hotel went head-to-head in mixed action.

After a tough opening 20 minutes on a warm evening, Namoi Hotel entered half-time leading by a point, ahead 13-12.

In the second stanza the Bowlo Dry Lakers rallied and outscored Namoi Hotel 13-10 to win the contest by just two points.

Bowlo Dry Lakers’ Rebecca Francis led the way for her side with a game-high eight points, four of which she scored either side of the main break.

The second mixed match was a more one-sided affair.

The RSL Raptors established an early 14-6 lead then went into half-time ahead 26-6.

In a much tighter second half the Raptors outscored Sporties Club 17-14, making the final score 43-20 to the team in red.

Once again Raptors duo Jess Lauritsen (16 points) and Sarah Hewett (12 points) led their side to victory with dominant performances.