Hulkamaniacs Match Review - The Throwbacks

Line-up: Phill C, Ross, Jayson, Beau, Murray, Luke (visit player stats)

Round 1, 2004/05 Summer Season

Wednesday, 6th October 2004

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Hulkamaniacs competitive, go down fighting on opening night.

BENDIGO (AP).

Coming up against an unknown quantity is always difficult, yet the Hulkamaniacs were extremely competitive in their opening night encounter against the Throwbacks, despite a 6-point loss.

The Throwbacks, a new team to division 2 for season 2004/05, were strong out of the blocks, jumping to an early lead as the Hulkamaniacs, who finished fourth last season, must have wondered what had hit them.

With a mix of tall and short, the Throwbacks were young and talented - and showed in the early part of the game that the new kids on the block weren't here to make up numbers.

With Adam forced to miss the game due to suspension, and Phill S unavailable due to work commitments, it looked like a tough night lay ahead for the Hulkamaniacs.  Filling the void tonight is Ross, who played with Adam, Luke and Jayson in the now disbanded Manny's franchise of 3-4 years ago.

However some Hulkamaniacs resistance was found in the form of two-time reigning MVP - Phill C, who looked to single-handedly bring his team back into the contest with a succession of baskets - scoring his teams first 7 points - and giving the Throwbacks something to think about, on top of an ankle injury to one of their guards - though he would resume later in the game.

Beau and Luke chipped in with 3-point field goals during the first half, helping Phill C to keep the game within reach by half-time, as the Throwbacks held an impressive 12 point lead.

The undermanned Hulkamaniacs team looked a different unit in the opening stages of the second half, rallying after a couple of early baskets from the Throwbacks - to take the ascendency back by putting points on the board in a hurry, mainly again due to Phill C, who was having a great night.

Jay got on the board, followed by another trey by Beau - to keep the match well and truly alive mid-way through the second half of play.

The hard working Hulkamaniacs, enjoying one of their better second halves in recent memory, closed the gap further with a basket to Phill C and then two consecutive 3-point shots from Luke and the game was still alive, with just minutes to play.

However the Hulkamaniacs shot attempts didn't drop when it most counted, whereas on the other end, the Throwbacks managed to sink some 3-point bombs of their own down the stretch - all but sealing the contest, ensuring there wasn't enough time for another Hulkamaniacs comeback.

On the back of their performance, you can expect to see the young and talented Throwbacks outfit come finals time - but they go away tonight knowing a full strength Hulkamaniacs team will be no push over, as tonight was a positive step forward for last seasons finalists.

The final score was 47-41, in favour of the Throwbacks.

Leading scorers for the Hulkamaniacs were Phill C with 20 points, Luke 9, Beau 8 and Jayson 4.

A great start to the season for Phill C, playing every bit like a two time MVP, with solid support from Luke and Beau.  Murray, in his first game back after serious knee surgery created a wealth of opportunities on the offensive end, and moved well.  However, it will take a few games to shake off the rust that built up during his forced lay-off.

Jayson was also important tonight on both ends of the court, whilst Ross showed good signs and will be back next week in the ongoing absence of Adam (who is due back in 3-4 weeks).

MVP Standings: To be updated once grading for division 2 is completed.

- Luke

Game notes

Phill C's opening night haul of 20 points is a Hulkamaniacs record… The previous best opening night score was 14 points - achieved by Phill C, Beau and Adam… Luke played his 70th Hulkamaniacs match tonight, the first player to reach the milestone… This was Ross' first Hulkamaniacs game, who is filling-in, in the absence of Adam and Phill S… There is a possibility the Throwbacks may be promoted to a higher division when grading is undertaken in 3 weeks time… There are three other new teams to division 2 this season - Pre Mix King, Drawrfz and Mustangs… See the Records and Player Stats sections for more.

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