Dandenong centre Brent Hobba had 26 points and 13 rebounds in the Rangers’ win over Diamond Valley on Saturday night.By Paul Pickering
DANDENONG seized top spot in the Big V Championship Men’s division in stunning circumstances on the weekend, setting up an enticing clash with the Waverley Falcons this Sunday.
The Rangers defeated Diamond Valley at Stud Road on Saturday night, while the all-conquering Sandringham Sabres coughed up the ladder lead with back to back losses to Hume City and Waverley.
The faltering Sabres allowed the reigning champions – now 11-1 – to secure top billing for the first time this season.
For their part, the Rangers were carried by a dominant frontline in cruising to a 108-89 win.
Vince Inglima (30 points, eight rebounds), Brent Hobba (26, 13) and Ash Cannan (21,18) bullied the outmatched Eagles inside, leading Dandenong to a 50-35 advantage on the boards.
But for Rangers coach Warren Dawson, the result masked a disappointing defensive stand that allowed Eagles guard Tom Burns to drop five three-pointers on his way to 29 points for the night.
“I really had a go at the guys, because I thought our defence was pedestrian at best,” Dawson said.
“I felt (Diamond Valley) played really well, but it was a bit of a wake-up call for us.”
Dawson watched the Falcons dismantle Sandringham 87-76 on Sunday, and was impressed with what he saw.
“I thought they completely outplayed Sandringham for the entire game, so we know we have to play very well against them to win,” he said.
“They’re definitely a team that can win it (the championship), so it’ll be a good little acid test for us.
“It’s been hard to gauge how we’re going, because we’ve been playing sides that are outside the top four, but Sunday will be a good test of where we’re at.”
Last time the teams met – at Waverley in April – the Rangers won by a solitary point, so the Falcons will give themselves every chance of adding another prized scalp to their collection.
Meanwhile, the resurgence of Dandenong’s Championship Women continued on Sunday as the Rangers trounced Geelong 70-42.
With the Cats backing up after a loss to Melbourne the previous night, the Rangers afforded them no respite in a consummate four-quarter performance.
The home side was never really challenged, with Mel Colcott (16), Faith Probst (10) and Amelia Todhunter (10) providing the all-round polish and Demelza Waxel (11, 11) the inside presence.
Geelong forward Candice Rogers (12, 10) posed the main offensive threat for the visitors, but she shot just four of 13 from the field against a swarming Rangers defence.
Dandenong has now won its past three games and finds itself in third spot ahead of Saturday’s clash with Waverley.
The women’s game tips off at noon before the Rangers men hit the floor at 2pm.
