Above: Dandenong Rangers coach Gary Fox said there was no reason to panic after consecutive losses on the first weekend of the WNBL season.By Glen Atwell
COULD it be a case of chocolates to boiled lollies for the Dandenong Rangers in 2006?
After back-to-back losses on the first weekend of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) season, there is plenty of work to be done.
On Friday night the depleted Rangers fell 31 points short of the Canberra Capitals at AIS Stadium.
With only three players on the sidelines, the Rangers were stretched to breaking point as the Capitals aggressively rotated the bench during the grand final rematch.
But it was more the case of what Dandenong was missing than the mistakes the players were making.
Carly Wilson left the Rangers for the Perth Lynx, Emma Randall plays in Russia and the electric Jess Bibby is donning the Capitals outfit this season.
Canberra led 19-15 at the first break after a gallant start by the Rangers, but that margin was soon extended.
Bibby dominated the court in the second term, cutting through the Dandenong defence and scoring three consecutive baskets from outside the arc.
In stark contrast, the Rangers offensive sets seemed rushed and lacking the usual polish and poise.
With Dandenong point guards Samantha Richards (knee) and Kathleen McLeod (osteitis pubis) both missing, too many of the Rangers were pushed outside their comfort zones.
Caitlin Ryan looked at home as Dandenong’s go-to player, but could only convert two of her 11 field attempts.
By three-quarter time Canberra led 56-32, Bibby had 22 points and Dandenong coach Gary Fox was scratching his head.
The final margin was 31 points.
On Saturday night, Dandenong fell two points short of redemption against the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) students.
The 67-65 final score instantly buried memories of the AIS’ winless campaign last season and capped off a disappointing start to the Rangers’ WNBL fixture.
The AIS led by 13 points at half-time, but Dandenong would not go down without a fight and ensured the crowd at AIS Stadium witnessed a thrilling final minute.
Once again, the Rangers failed to convert their shots.
Netting only 29 per cent of their field attempts, Dandenong put up 21 more shots than the AIS.
Ryan led the way for the Rangers scoring 23 points, while McInerney was at her defensive best collecting eight rebounds and six steals.
Coach Gary Fox acknowledged the team was lacking some key personnel, but was adamant that every time his side stepped onto the court, he expected to win.
“We were better against the AIS. Offensively things started to work on Saturday night,” he said.
With Kathleen McLeod, Jenna O’Hea, Samantha Richards and Shelley Hammonds all missing from the side, Fox was optimistic that Dandenong would greatly improve over the coming weeks.
“We are working with what we’ve got at the moment,” he said.
“There is no reason to panic. We’ll rebuild and keep getting better.
“Dandenong is a strong club with a rich history.
“At the moment, with two new players (Larissa Cavanagh and Aneka Kerr) on the court we’re working on synchronising our offensive plays,” Fox said.
The Rangers return to Dandenong Basketball Stadium on Friday night to take on the Adelaide Lightning.
Tip-off is at 8pm.
