Knox Raiders’ Craig Simpson was on fire on theTHE Knox Ford Raiders are two wins clear of where they were at the same time last season, a result that is pleasing the coaching staff and confirms that the reigning champions are likely to be a major contender again this year.
The Raiders lost their opening three games last season, before turning it around and going on to win the SEABL championship.
After splitting their opening two games this season, a win against Southern Districts and a loss against Frankston, the Raiders travelled to Ballarat on Saturday night minus soon-to-arrive import John Bryant and versatile guard Alex Prince, who missed due to an injury.
Despite trailing early, the Raiders turned it on in the second quarter, netting 39 points to take the lead and the ascendancy in the closely fought contest.
In a tense struggle during the third period, the Raiders held sway by one point going into the final stanza, where they held their composure to grab a vital four-point victory.
Coach Damian Cotter was delighted with the victory, and the performance of Craig Simpson, who top-scored with 35 points.
“It was a good win for us, considering the result we were coming off the week before,” said Cotter.
“I was very happy with the way the guys responded from what was a gruelling week of practice. We now have to make sure that we keep working hard and maintain this momentum, particularly given this week’s game at Geelong, which will be a great test for us.
“I was really satisfied with the team effort, but Craig Simpson’s individual performance deserves to be highlighted. He played a terrific game and delivered when it most mattered.”
Others to find the basket included CJ Massingale (20 points) and Glenn Siegle (16 pints), while 20-year-old Sean Carroll netted 14 points in his 100th SEABL game.
Meanwhile, the Raiders women overcame a narrow one-point loss against Ballarat on Saturday night with a resounding 28-point victory against Frankston on Sunday.
The Raiders looked the better team from the outset and pressured Frankston into a string of mistakes, most of which came from tight defence and some solid rebounding.
The form of Jess Eason (21 points) and Esther Timmermans (10 points) was a sign of the future, while the ever-reliable Julia Tan continued her impressive form with 20 points.
Next assignment for the women is a gruelling trip to Tasmania this weekend where the Raiders will clash with Northwest Tasmania and Launceston.
