BATHURST Goldminers have kept the heat on the Shoalhaven Tigers in the race for the women’s State League Basketball minor premiership following a comfortable win on Saturday night.
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Goldminers piled on the pain for a struggled St George Saints side at the Bathurst Indoor Sports Stadium in an 80-53 victory.
The win is the fifth in a row for the Goldminers and keeps them locked in second spot on the ladder.
The hosts got off to a strong start on Saturday night, putting on a run of 11 points to jump out to a 25-12 lead at quarter-time.
In front of a home crowd for just the second time this season, the Goldminers’ strong shooting gradually increased the margin.
At half-time Goldminers had pushed the score out to 44-24 after five different Bathurst players contributed to the total.
Another nine-point run from the Goldminers on either side of the final break took the score out to 65-37 and ended any hopes of a comeback for the visitors.
Baskets were exchanged evenly through most of the final term, a pattern more than enough for the Goldminers to get home with ease.
Matilda Flood had her strongest night of the season for the Goldminers, leading the way for the team with 17 points.
Five different Goldminers players hit successful three-point shots.
Goldminers co-coach Paul Masters said his strong lineup were always in control from the opening tip-off.
Having a group of 10 players where you’re able to rotate like for like really helps. It’s great to have that balance.
- Paul Masters
“We had Sophie Kleeman, Haylee Lepaio and Claire Woolmington back. Claire has been playing for Western Rams, so we hadn’t seen her for a while. It was the same deal for Sophie, who played limited minutes but still scored 14 points,” he said.
“Matilda Flood had the best game she’s ever played for us, with 17 points.
“Having a group of 10 players where you’re able to rotate like for like really helps. It’s great to have that balance.
“They had a couple of big players, though not as mobile as Haylee. We were able to make a lot of outside shots as well. We hit six three pointers, probably the most we’ve made, and it wasn’t just one person making them.
“Not many teams can match us for the depth we’ve got. Just putting it together is the test.”
Goldminers now have a three week break before they travel to face the Wagga Wagga Blaze.
The match against the third-placed Blaze is certain to be the biggest test for the Goldminers since their loss to the Tigers back in April – their only defeat this year.
Following that match the Goldminers will welcome the Tigers to Bathurst in the season’s most highly anticipated contest.
