In a highly entertaining match both teams showed lots of energy and good sportsmanship, but it was the Bulls who came out on top thanks to an impressive defensive effort in the second half.

The match started out as a cagey affair with neither side giving anything away in the first quarter. Tight defence made it difficult to find a way to the basket but the Mitre 10s opened the scoring through Fiona Stokman. Stokman did well at both ends of the court using her height to pull down rebounds and play some smothering defence.

In front of a large and enthusiastic crowd the Mitre 10s started the match the better of the two teams and a smart steal and fast break lay-up by Jessica Pay gave them a 5-1 lead.

The Bulls were creating plenty of opportunities to score but were inaccurate with their shooting. That was until Rumer Williams scored two consecutive baskets to bring the teams level at 5-all at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was much more open and free-flowing with both teams shooting well. Marissa Barry, Tia Woolridge and Lara Feletto all scored for the Bulls while Pay and Stokman were again the scorers for the Mitre 10s.

However, the highlight of the quarter was an impressive coast-to-coast move by Williams. The pocket rocket showed speed and skill to dribble her way past Mitre 10s’ defence and score uatthe other end of the court.

The Bulls started to make the most of their shooting opportunities and hit the lead, going in to half time with an eight-point advantage.

Some nice passing from Isabella Humphries set up Feletto to score the opening points of the third quarter and from there the Bulls did not look back.

Woolridge scored six points in a row thanks to a couple of steals and accurate shooting.

Leah Hearne, Abbey Talmadge and Mia Talmadge of the Mitre 10s showed lots of energy and were tenacious in defence, but it was not enough to stop the rampaging Bulls.

Broulee kept the Mitre 10s scoreless for the entire second half, thanks largely to the defence of Lilly McPherson who got a number of steals and intercepts. She was well supported by Isobel Smith and Jennifer May. For the Mitre 10s, Ella Clarke, Ella Pearce and Holly Selmes didn’t give up and kept fighting until the final whistle.

Nevertheless it was the Broulee Bulls who were crowned champions at full time after an impressive 35-9 victory.

Mighty Mitre 10s were coached by Sarah Bourke and the Broulee Bulls were coached by Jake Cartwright. However Cartwright was away on a school excursion and Cathy Lawarik stepped in to coach the team.

More junior basketball finals are scheduled for Batemans Bay next week with the under 12 boys and the under 14s, 16s and 19s mixed all still to play.

Monday

4.30 Under 12 Boys Broulee Magic v winner of yesterday’s preliminary final.

5.30 Under 14 Mixed Salvo Stingers v Catalina Club Cougars.

6.30 Under 16 Mixed Batemans Bay Soldiers v Lions Club.

Wednesday 6pm Under 19 Mixed Catalina Club v Bay Soldiers Club Individual and team nominations due by June 28 - contact Kylie on 4471 7789.