UPDATE: The Craigieburn Eagles defied the odds on Saturday night, securing a thrilling 96-78 victory over the Altona Gators in the Big V men’s division 1. This win comes as the Eagles grapple with a season marred by injuries and limited roster availability, leaving them on the brink of missing the finals.
Despite winning six consecutive matches earlier in the season, the Eagles have struggled to maintain momentum due to a depleted squad. Coach Tim Annett expressed pride in his team’s resilience, highlighting that they played with only seven players against Altona. “It was definitely a difficult one with the guys that we had out,” Annett stated.
Top performers included Abe Solano, who scored 26 points, alongside Tyler Best with 24 points and Lachlan Kego contributing 20 points. Annett noted that the win provided valuable experience for some players who typically see less court time.
However, the Eagles’ playoff hopes are dim. Currently sitting in sixth place, Annett believes they are unlikely to finish in the top five. “We’ll likely finish one game or half a game out,” he remarked, acknowledging the tough season filled with injuries. “We have two guys that will be back this week, but we also have two out for the season.”
As the regular season nears its end, the Eagles will face the Chelsea Gulls next, with the women’s team also looking to recover from their own challenges. The women’s side had to forfeit their match due to insufficient players, which has hampered their chances leading into finals.
Despite the setbacks, Annett remains optimistic about the future. “This year was a little setback to playing finals, but we will definitely be up there next year,” he affirmed. As the Eagles strive to finish the season strong, fans are left hoping for a brighter path ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Eagles as they prepare for their final match against the Chelsea Gulls. The team aims to build on this victory and head into next season with renewed strength and determination.
