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SEABL round 4 previews
23/03/2007
SEABL SOUTH/EAST MEN - ROUND 4 GAME PREVIEWS

Mt Gambier "Star FM" Pioneers vs "Arrow Caravans" Southern District Spartans
Southern Districts recorded a massive 117-75 victory in round two against Mt Gambier, and will look to record another win this week and improve on their disappointing 0-3 road record. Spartans forward Damien Anderson is used to the "Icehouse" conditions, having played for the Pioneers for many years. Pioneers US import Ryan Blankson was impressive last week against the AIS, and after a disappointing game against the Spartans in round two will be keen for an improved performance this week.

Albury/Wodonga "Bendigo Bank" Bandits vs "Oasis" Hobart Chargers
Albury/Wodonga hold a 15-12 career record against Hobart, and currently hold a three game winning streak, including a 105-100 victory in round two. Bandits veteran Allen McCowan (22.3ppg, 8.3rpg) was unstoppable in this game and his efforts will need to be addressed by the Chargers. After two disappointing losses at home in recent weeks, Hobart Chargers coach Mark Chivers will be keen for a better performance on the road this week.

"St Laurence" Geelong Supercats vs Knox Ford Raiders
The clash between the two ladder leaders will be an entertaining affair, with the Supercats favourites to record the victory. Geelong have always been a tough unit to beat at home, and this year they will be an even tougher assignment. The Supercats are extremely deep talent wise, and some could say improve when the bench players get subbed into the game. US Import Shawn Myers, and veterans Braith Cox and Jamie Medved would be starting on any other SEABL team, but due to the impressive talent on the Supercats roster play pivotal roles off the bench.

Canberra "BOA" Gunners vs "Searson Buck" NW Tasmania Thunder
After an impressive 48pt performance last week against Frankston, NW Tasmania import Troy de Vries (32.8ppg, 3.0apg) will be keen for another consistent performance and hopefully a victory to complement his individual game. Canberra are a solid defensive team and coach Frank Arsego will be throwing different players at Troy all game, hoping to put him off and therefore slow the Thunder's scoring rate. Canberra is limiting their opponents to a league best 85pts per game, and if they can contain the offensive exploits of DeVries, the Gunners chances of securing the victory will be boosted.

Frankston "Cambur" Blues vs "Oasis" Hobart Chargers
Thanks to a last second block from two-time Player of the Week winner David Gruber, Frankston recorded a 107-105 victory last week against Hobart. Blues coach Bill Runchey will be hoping for a repeat performance from his team this week, but only hope to have a more convincing victory on their home court. New recruit Marcus Timmons (17.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.3apg) also played an influential role and seems to understand the style of game he needs to play within the Frankston team. Frankston guard Andrew Harms also showed glimpses of his impressive 2006 season form, and will be determined to guide his team to another victory this week and remain undefeated in the competition.

Club Kilsyth Cobras vs "Arrow Caravans" Southern District Spartans
Brisbane Bullets Championship winning guards Adam Gibson and Brad Williamson are likely to suit up for this match. Their offensive input will be a much needed asset for the Spartans, but the lack of training with the group may be an issue. NBL coaches should be taking a keen look at the battle in the paint between Cobras Chris Cameron (20.8ppg, 6.5rpg, 4.8apg) and Spartans Greg Vanderjagt. Cameron has been impressive so far this season, and this match-up will have a major impact on the games final outcome.

Australian Institute of Sport vs "Searson Buck" NW Tasmania Thunder
A disappointing 1-2 road trip in round three had the AIS fall to fourth position in the east. AIS coach Marty Clarke will be keen for a solid performance at home this week against the high scoring NW Tasmania outfit. AIS have a 5-2 overall record against NW Tasmania, and have won their past four matches between the two teams. AIS youngster Ben Dowdell is having a breakthrough season, and he will be one player Thunder coach Mark Radford will need to pay extra attention to at the offensive end. Like his brother Jeff, Ben is a quiet achiever and if given space, can dominate a game comfortably.

Bendigo "Telstra" Braves vs Albury/Wodonga "Bendigo Bank" Bandits
With a 20-13 overall record against the Bandits, including five straight victories at home, Bendigo Braves will be looking to record their first home victory this season. Off season recruit Cameron Rigby seems to have shaken off his poor early season form with an impressive performance last weekend in Brisbane. Coach Wayne Larkins will be excited with another consistent effort from his new recruit, and his combination in the paint with Chris Novak (21.8ppg, 7.3rpg) is sure to trouble the smaller Bandits line-up.

Ballarat "RetireInvest" Miners vs Nunawading Spectres
An unsatisfactory start to his SEABL coaching career has Matt Shanahan sitting on the bottom of the SEABL ladder with a 0-2 record. However Matt will be hoping to turn all that around this week with a victory against his junior association. Nunawading have been the surprise packet so far this season, sitting in third position on the east ladder with a 3-1 record. Quality league veterans Eric Hayes (Ballarat) and David Biwer (Nunawading) will do battle in the frontcourt, with both players needing to play pivotal roles for their respective teams.

SEABL WOMEN - ROUND 4 GAME PREVIEWS

Frankston "Build Rite" Lady Blues vs Ballarat "Community Health" Lady Miners
Ballarat are sitting comfortably on top of the SEABL Women ladder with an unbeaten 4-0 record, and on paper will go into this contest as firm favourites. Lady Miners Chantal Allgood (11.8ppg, 7.5rpg) has increased her productivity this year and is one of the major factors behind their early season form. Her effort is vital to the team's success this year, but will be ably supported by Abrams, Collins and Doherty.

Club Kilsyth Cobras vs "Carina Leagues Club" Southern Districts Lady Spartans
Kilsyth Cobras coach Jason Knight will be hoping his match with league newcomers will be a successful occasion, as he attempts to guide his team to their first victory for season 2007. Knight added US import Abby Schrader to the team late last week, and with another full week of training and one game under her belt, coach Knight will be keen for an improved effort from his new recruit. Her presence in the paint will relieve pressure from veterans McMenamin and Kerr, but they still need quality games from the local contingent for the Lady Cobras to be successful.

Launceston "Workstar" Tornadoes vs Knox Ford Raiders
Both teams have a rich history between each other, and although Knox hold a 28-8 career advantage over their Tasmanian rivals, the Tornadoes will be a tough unit to beat this week. Crista Hays received the all clear late last week, and was a dominant force for her team in her first game. Knox hold a 13 game winning streak against Launceston, and have won their past six games in Launceston, but Raiders coach has a young team this season and may struggle on the road this weekend. Chelsea Laing will not be travelling for Knox, and a lot will be expected of the Raiders very young frontcourt of Timmermans and Eason.

Ballarat "Community Health" Lady Miners vs "Carina Leagues Club" Southern Districts Lady Spartans
Both teams have been dominate in their respective ABA leagues in previous years, and this weeks first ever SEABL clash between the two teams is sure to be an entertaining affair. Spartans coach Donna Rinaldi returns to her junior association, and will be keen to guide her team to victory against her former club. Donna's sister Kristy will be playing for Ballarat, and well aware of the talent in the Lady Spartans team, having played for them last season. The battle in the paint between league MVP favourites Karen Ashby (21.8ppg, 12.3rpg, 4.0apg) and Lady Spartans Holly Smith (14.5ppg, 8.0rpg) will be a close tussle, and both will be striving to guide their respective team to victory.

Bendigo "IGA" Lady Braves vs Albury/Wodonga "Telstra CountryWide" Lady Bandits
Albury/Wodonga recorded a confidence boosting 85-77 victory over Bendigo in round one, and Lady Bandits fill in Coach Jessica Bibby will be keen for a repeat performance from her team. The sudden departure of Lady Bandits coach Scott Sinclair has effected the team, losing to Nunawading last weekend, and all the girls will be desperate for a return to the winners circle this weekend. The Lady Braves will be seeking revenge, and experienced coach Bernie Harrower will relish the opportunity and keen to inflict more worries into the Lady Bandits camp.

"Tall Timbers" NW Tasmania Thunder vs Knox Ford Raiders
Knox Raiders have a successful 6-0 record against NW Tasmania, but have a vastly different team to previous years, and may struggle against the improved Lady Thunder team this week. Lady Thunder coach Craig Johnson off season recruits have been very effective for their newly adopted team, and after a disappointing result last weekend against Launceston, will be keen to notch their first victory this week against the Raiders. Finnigan (15.3ppg, 10.3rpg) and Carr (15.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 3.7apg) have been relentless in the paint all season, and will look to punish the young Raiders frontcourt. However Knox have a highly talented back court rotation with Myers, Tan and McMahon which is sure to give Lady Thunder coach Craig Johnson many concerns throughout the game.

Nunawading Spectres vs Club Kilsyth Cobras
Nunawading recorded a close 70-69 victory in round one, and are improving each week, to currently be sitting in second position on the league ladder. Spectres coach Larissa Anderson (nee Cavanagh) missed the week one clash, and will be determined for another solid game from Australian Sapphire Caitlin Cunningham (23.5ppg, 14.5rpg, 2.0bpg). Davis and Datson have increased their offensive input in recent weeks, and is a major reason behind the Spectres current early season form. Another consistent performance from these two players this week, and the Spectres will be guaranteed of another victory.

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