The Lakes Entrance Pelicans scored its third and most significant win of the season last Saturday night when it defeated the Bairnsdale Bullets in the local derby at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
The rivalry had been brewing all season, with Saturday nights blockbuster the ideal opportunity to decide once and for all, who is the best men’s basketball side in the region.
It was the first ever time the sides at met in a Country Basketball League fixture and it was the Pelicans who got the best start in the match, overcoming a height disadvantage with stellar teamwork and defensive intensity.
The Pelicans came out firing, jumping to a 7-3 lead and forcing an early timeout from the Bullets. Lakes then closed the first quarter on a 10-2 run, finishing the term 20-10.
Angus Murdoch (19 points) led the early charge with two triples, scoring eight points in the quarter. The second quarter was a defensive masterclass for the Pelicans, holding Bairnsdale to just six while adding 19 of their own.
Massimo Hobbs (20) contributed a standout nine-point effort, including key shots during a 12-0 run to close the half, as Lakes went into halftime leading by 23 points, having restricted the Bullets to just 16 first-half points.
Despite being away from home, the Pelicans travelling fans and the junior Pelicans brought infectious energy, creating an electric atmosphere that fuelled the team’s momentum.
In the third quarter, Lakes continued to dominate defensively, pushing their lead to a game-high 26 points.
Coach Andrew Wright continued to emphasise discipline, urging the team to stick to their structured offence despite the comfortable lead.
Wright also gave debutant Xavier Martin his first taste of game time.
Though Bairnsdale added points during junk time, the Pelicans maintained control, Jimmy Russell hit back-to-back triples, and Anthony Wright (13) capped the game with another three-pointer, sealing Bairnsdale’s fate.
Rex Hargreaves top scored for Bairnsdale with 15 points, with brother Nathan finishing with 10.
The Pelicans’ bench energy and strong travelling support proved instrumental in securing their most important victory of the season, with the final score reading 75-57.
Wright was full of praise for the team’s cohesion and intensity, noting the incredible energy brought by the Pelican fans who made the trip and created a loud and passionate atmosphere, which inspired his players.
The Pelicans didn’t have much time to celebrate with a tough weekend double header on the agenda, Sunday bringing a tough match up on the road against the Moe Meteors, though both sides did go into the clash with three season victories.
The clash was both unique and eventful, beginning with unexpected delays, as the original venue was deemed unplayable due to a leaky ceiling that failed Basketball Victoria’s safety standards. With the game officially called off, a quick-thinking spectator suggested relocating to a nearby stadium.
Both teams agreed, embarking on an impromptu road trip to Morwell, where the game tipped off at 2pm.
Moe started strong, showcasing a structured offence that left the Pelicans trailing 20-10 at the end of the first quarter, with players like Jayden Van Dyk (24), Rohan Demczuk (20), Simon Vannapraseuth (18) and Stephen O’Brien (12) influential right from the beginning.
In the second, Lakes Entrance began to find their rhythm, with the previous night’s debutant Martin scoring his first-ever basket in the competition
The quarter ended evenly, with both teams adding 18 points. Murdoch (26) hit a buzzer-beater to close the half, but the Pelicans still found themselves down by 10.
The third quarter saw the Pelicans battling hard, but Moe’s consistent execution extended their lead, outscoring Lakes by seven in the period, as coach Wright encouraged his players to stick to the process and the opportunities would materialise.
In the final quarter, fatigue set in for the Pelicans after their hard-fought game the night before against the Bairnsdale Bullets, which obviously took an emotional and physical toll.
Injuries and foul trouble compounded their challenges, but the team showed heart by fighting until the final whistle, eventually going down by 25 points, 85-60.
Hobbs (15) and Kobe Edwards (10) assisted Murdoch at the offensive end.
Despite the loss, coach Wright commended the team for their resilience in difficult circumstances, highlighting their determination to play under unique conditions and finish the game with pride.
The Pelicans final match of the season will be against Traralgon on Saturday, November 30 at 6pm.
