BASKETBALL
CBL GIPPSLAND
CHURCHILL Blue Devils will feature in both men’s and women’s CBL Gippsland conference finals after resounding semi-final victories on Saturday at Latrobe Leisure Churchill.
The Churchill men bounced out to a first quarter nine-point lead over Moe Meteors and extended the margin in a 23-11 third quarter to run out 81-60 victors. Coach Brett Harvey rotated through 12 troops in total, with Vashon Weaver (20 points) and Jordan Canovan (18 points) instrumental.
Justin Aver was raining buckets and hit three three-pointers in his total of 19.
Jayden Van Dyk went one better, nailing four from outside the perimeter to record a joint game high 20 points for the Meteors, but could not do enough to overthrow the undefeated minor premier.
Rachael Quirk was again the primary weapon for the Blue Devils women, leading the side to a convincing 88-53 win over Maffra.
Quirk notched a game high 20 points with support from Stacey O’Brien (18) and captain Tanarly Hood (17).
Traralgon T-Birds crashed out of the finals in both divisions after losses to Korumburra on the women’s side and the Warragul Warriors in the men’s draw. Churchill now faces last year’s All-Conference champion Warragul in the men’s decider, while Korumburra is at home to the Blue Devils in the women’s final.
