By Nick Creely
The Dandenong Rangers’ Men’s and Women’s sides had mixed results in Saturday’s evening double header against the Frankston Blues, as the season reaches the pointy end.
It all began with the Women’s team, as the Rangers and Blues fought a hard tussle to be locked at 18-23 at quarter time.
The Blues were able to get the early jump, but a stirring Rangers fightback late in the first trimmed the margin back.
Again, the Blues skipped out to a handy lead in the second quarter, making their baskets, and showing great tenacity around the court, but the Rangers responded to cut the margin back to six at half time.
And despite the Rangers putting in a valiant effort without starts Lauren Scherf and Anneli Maley, the Blues were too strong, running out 74-69 winners.
The Rangers were well served by Aimee Clydesdale (28 points) who put in monster numbers, while Amelia Todhunter (10 points) and Rosie Fadljevic (10 points) contributed strongly in solid game time.
The Rangers hit the road in Round 17 as they travel to face the Canberra Capitals in Belconnen next Saturday night, tip-off at 5.15pm.
Meanwhile, the Men’s team finished the night off in solid fashion, defeating Frankston 90-85 in a grueling affair.
In a brilliant first half by both sides, not much could split them apart, with the Rangers holding a narrow two-point advantage.
But some hot shooting by the Blues saw them skip out to a 70-57 lead at three-quarter time, with the likelihood both Dandenong sides would walk away bitterly disappointed.
Showing grit and skill, the Rangers fought their way back mightily, smashing the Blues around the court in a 28-15 last quarter to pinch their seventh win in the last eight matches.
Tim Lang (19 points, five rebounds) put in some impressive numbers, while Chauney Orr (18 points), Garrett Jackson (16 points) and Felix Kalau Von Hofe (14 points) impressively reached double digits for the match in what was a truly sensational all-round team masterclass in the last quarter.
Dandenong now sit atop the ladder with a brilliant 14-7 record with just the two rounds to go in what has been a stunning patch of basketball from the men in green.
Just like the Women’s side, the Rangers will hit the road to face Canberra in the double-header, with tip-off at 7.30pm.
