Rocky start: Echuca coach Dylan Payne will be looking forward to next week after his Pirates lost both games in their round two double-header at the weekend. Photo: Aidan Briggs.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Echuca Pirates suffered defeat in the second game of their round two double-header, going down to the Macedon Ranges on Sunday.
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Playing away from home, the Pirates fell 35-61 to the Rockies at Woodend Buffalo Sports Stadium to round out the second week of action.
A tense opening term saw the Rockies pull out to a 13-8 lead at quarter time, and while Echuca battled hard, it was outscored 10-15 in the second term as the margin doubled to 10 points at the half.
The third term had been a favourite hunting ground for the Pirates in their opening two games, winning that quarter both times; however, it wasn’t to be against the Rockies, as the gap between the sides widened to 20 at the final change.
An 11-17 final term in favour of the Macedon Ranges capped off a disappointing performance from the Pirates, with the 26-point defeat their third successive loss to start the year.
Big out: Will Poulton was missing from the game against Macedon Ranges after putting up 12 points against Castlemaine on Saturday. Photo: Aidan Briggs.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Mitchell Markby performed well, putting up 11 points as the only Pirate in double figures, while Tyler Phillips (six points) and Staci Richardson (five points) were again in the thick of the action for Echuca.
The second game in as many days for the Pirates followed Saturday night’s competitive loss to Castlemaine.
Despite being down by 10 at halftime to the Cannons, Echuca had fought back to get within two points at the final break after a frenzied third term; however, Castlemaine steadied in the last to claim the win 78-69.
The Pirates will again be in action this weekend, taking on Mildura this Sunday at Echuca Basketball Stadium.
The Heat currently sit second on the ladder and will provide a big test for the Pirates, who are ninth at the end of round two.
The Game
Scores
Echuca: 8, 10, 6, 11 (35)
Macedon Ranges: 13, 15, 16, 17 (61)
Points
Echuca: Mitchell Markby 11, Tyler Phillips 6, Staci Richardson 5, Charlie O’Toole 4, Riley Hutton 3, Tanner Smith 2, Lachlan Tenace 2, Ben Dri 1, Max Hagan 1
Macedon Ranges: Nick Grantham 20, Josh O’Connell 9, Matthew Quinn 8, Mark Colverd 6, Saxon Royal 6, Thomas Scott 5, Jacob Poyser 3, Tadhg Condron 2, Joshua Greetham 2
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