Next Stop - GRAND FINAL

A scintillating start to their first ever semi final helped the Dragons shake off any pre-game nerves. Rallying to an 11 – 0 lead on the back of captain DK Kang’s free throws, the Dragons were able to quickly assert their grip on the game and gain immediate ascendancy.

Some pinpoint, long-range passing, on the back of superb ball-handling by Hadjitello led to open and easy baskets in the first half, with Tiff C and DK on the receiving end.

The first half also saw some excellent passing from court general Matty the Rocket Fraser. In her return game from a 3 week layoff, Brooke Steve Tyler Arrowsmith was able to slot into the Dragons’ rotation with ease, and immediately provided a presence on the defensive end, grabbing rebounds with force – “Brooke was like a lady chasing her stolen handbag…she wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of her getting her hands on the ball every time it came near her” – Captain DK Kang, describing Brooke’s endeavours on the rebounds.

The Modern Drunkards didn’t fall into the finals, and they soon began to prove it. They shook off a slow start and began a rally against the Dragons, with an array of inside and outside baskets, which kept the Dragons on their toes defensively. A massive and timely three point bomb by Chin “Sharpshooter” Phoa not long after he was inserted into the line up put a dagger in the Drunkards’ attempts at drawing too near to the Dragons.

Relentless defence from Frank the Tank and some excellent transition in the closing minute of the first half saw the Dragons pour on two quick baskets to enter the first break leading 27-13 and with heads held high.

With half the Dragons’ (Chin – flu, DK Kang – flu, AK 47 – flu, Matty the Rocket – nasty cold) suffering from coughs, aches and various other ailments, the Dragons knew that eventually fatigue would take its toll on the game. This, combined with a more physically assertive opponent in the second half (many slaps, shirt pulling and bumps going unnoticed by referees) started to affect the Dragons’ skills and ability to convert.

Multiple scoring opportunities were not taken, and a visually fatigued Dragons outfit began making some uncharacteristic mistakes on both the offensive and defensive end.

Frustrations began mounting and the Dragons were clearly in need of a time out. After a pep talk by Hadjitello and Tiff C the Dragons came out of the time out with a mission. Tired players were rotating with frequent substitutions, ensuring fresh legs were on the court at all times, and the Dragons slowed down their game, focusing on quality execution, leading to better ball control, fewer turnovers, and, eventually, vital scoreboard points.

Any chance of a comeback was dismissed when Top Cat found a gap in the middle of the lane and slashed to the ring, converting a team lifting layup. The Dragons, however, were not without extremely important help…Our loyal supporters were there with us every step of the way, encouraging and cheering the Dragons through to a semi final victory.

“It was fantastic to see and hear the Dragons bench cheering us on. A massive thank you must go out to all our supporters, including Christina Chow, Sabrina Tan, Mr and Mrs Mehdi Naseeruddin-Tunak-Tunak, John Cotton, John Cotton Jnr, Sue and Audrey Fraser, Sanji “paparazzi” Mahendran, Erik Kronborg, Emilie McNamara and Ben Hui. It really made a difference having you there.” - DK

The final score was 38 – 26 – seeing the Dragons advance to next weeks’ GRAND FINAL against the Ballbaggers. Game time is 7pm next Wednesday, 19 September.

The Dragons will be looking to secure their first championship in their inaugural season. The team will be grateful for your support. Bring your friends, family, plus 1’s.

It will be a showstopper and it is a match not to be missed. But no matter what happens, all should be proud of what your Deloitte Dragons have achieved in their first season. Come along and be part of Deloitte history!

PICS:

Click here for some pics of our Semi Final