It was rightly billed as the game of the Big V season and there was not an empty seat in the Maroondah stadium on Saturday night. But more importantly not one person left disappointed as the Ringwood Hawks put on a show to remember on Saturday night against the previously undefeated Corio Bay Stingrays.

If the Stingrays were considered the favorites, the Hawks seemed to know nothing about it as they came out of the blocks like men possessed. Marcus Ruh (17 points) was doubtful with an ankle injury but caught fire and nailed his first 4 shots and the Hawks built an early lead. Hawks big men Shaun Clarke and Trevor Latham were doing a good job defensively on Corio Bays main inside threat Ma’alo Hicks which was a key in the Hawks 10 point quarter time lead.

As Ruh cooled off , it was his housemate mate Bryan Dougher’s (34 points and 4 assists) turn to get rolling. The 6 foot guard started to find space which he reveled in either scoring himself or creating opportunities for Luke Egan (10 points), Matt Snowball (12 points) and Willie Weimer (11 points). Ringwood were now firing on all cylinders and at half time had almost built a game winning lead 63 to 46.

“It was the best half of Basketball we have played this season……..by a country mile.” Hawks Coach Ken Harrington said.

“It was also the first time we have had our whole roster together, the extra depth is very valuable.”

The depth Harrington talked about became evident in the third quarter with Trent Zomer, in his first game of the season after returning from College, adding some great defensive intensity and athleticism. With Zomer blocking shots, Dougher took his game to a new level and tore the heart out of the Stingrays defenders. The Hawks scored 23 points in the third quarter but the red hot Dougher personally nailed 18 of them in a memorable display.

The 22 point lead meant the game was as good as decided but the Hawks still had work to do. The Big V final standing sometimes depend on head to head results and the Hawks need to keep the pressure on and win the game by 17 points or more. Corio Bay and Ringwood played the final quarter like it was a 2 point game but the Hawks help firm and won by 20 points in very impressive fashion.

“Sure was a great feeling in the team and on the court tonight.” Player of the game Bryan Dougher said.

“We also had our crowd in to it, they were our 6th man tonight, it was fantastic to hear them scream for basically 2 hours.”

With their confidence building and a big scalp to their credit, the Hawks must consolidate next week with a danger game against the improved Sherbrooke Suns at Belgrave.

“We need to keep building in the second part of the season.” Harrington said.

“Our aim is top two and we cannot afford to take a night off, there is no margin for error.”

RINGWOOD 105 (Dougher 34, Ruh 17, Snowball 12, Weimer 11, Egan 10, Clarke 9) defeated CORIO BAY STINGRAYS 85 (Johnson 23, Hicks 21)
Sell out at The Rings Stadium, Ringwood.