First Blood To Magic
Added 5 August 2007
Last night, the Southern Peninsula Sharks returned to the Boroondara Sports Complex for the 2nd straight week to take on the Hawthorn Magic. But this time, the stakes were higher. Up for grabs in this semi final series was a spot in the grand final of the Big V Division One competition. Following the narrow 3 point victory by the Magic last week against the Sharks in the final regular season match, the capacity crowd knew they were in for something special and the players obliged.
Southern Peninsula were the first to settle establishing a 26-20 quarter time lead. Throughout the first half, the Magic were hampered by foul trouble confining starters Jay Allen, Boyd Smart and Seb Belfrage to the bench. However, the Magic battled hard led by Tom Forde, Steve Carter and Matt Slaven and worked their way back to a 50-48 half time deficit. Following the major break, both teams failed to find their offence as they combined for 35 points in the quarter. The final period saw the Magic start to make their baskets while restricting the Sharks offence. A sustained period of dominance mid way through the last quarter was ultimately the difference between the two teams on the night. Clutch shooting from Warren Staples and Jay Allen ensured a 102-88 Magic victory.
Seb Belfrage was ever reliable inside for the Magic finishing with a team high 22 points with the experienced duo of Steve Carter and Matt Slaven combining for 32 points. The Magic dominated the backboard with 59-46 rebounds and restricted the Sharks offence forcing 31 turnovers for the match. For the visitors, Rohan Greaves finished with 25 points.
The Magic now travel down the peninsula to Rosebud next Saturday night where they will have 2 bites of the cherry to get an away win which will secure a third consecutive grand final berth. The winner of this series to take on the winner of the Mildura/Altona semi final.
Make sure you head down to Rosebud next weekend to support our boys as they attempt to win a grand final spot.
Magic @ Sharks
Saturday 11th August 7pm
Hillview Stadium
Cnr Eastbourne & Boneo Roads
Rosebud
Map Reference: 170 A3
Stay tuned to the website for details of a possible charter bus heading down to Rosebud next weekend for Magic supporters.