By Tara Murray
It was a disappointing end to a Country Basketball League men’s north-west season for the Bacchus Marsh Lions.
Returning to finals for the first time since their inaugural season, the Lions met their match against the Castlemaine Cannons on Saturday night in a semi final.
The Lions had beaten the Cannons in the final round of the season to secure a top two finish and home court advantage for the semi final.
There was no repeat this time round with the Cannons winning, 99-73.
Daniel Salvatore top scored with 16 points as four players scored double figures.
The Cannons got the jump early and the Lions were never able to reel them back in.
Lions coach Rob Tomczyk said things didn’t go their way when they needed them too.
“It wasn’t our best performance,” he said. “Castlemaine had their full side with a different combination.
“Nonetheless it was a great effort by the boys to make it that far and what we’ve done the whole season is quite remarkable.”
Tomczyk said while it wasn’t the result they were after they had continued the growth they’ve been building the past two seasons.
He said much of the group has already said they want to come back next year again.
“It was so close, but so far,” he said. “You learn a lot more from losing, than a 40-point win even though it’s more fun.
“Credit to Castlemaine. They are a great side with great players and we know what we need to do to level up.”
“It was disappointing not to progress and try and get that first championship for Bacchus Marsh.”
Tomczyk said the club was trending in the right direction against some very experienced associations.
This year was the first time both their men’s and women’s sides have made finals in the same year.
“The association is only 12 years old,” he said. “We’re building up the program and when we get another three or four years, they’ll be juniors coming through the ranks to play in the CBL
“That is going to be amazing.”
Tomczyk said they were already focused on next season.
“We will come back stronger next season,” he said. “We won’t settle for anything less than a grand final and a ring.”
The Cannons will face the Bendigo Braves in the grand final on Saturday night in Bendigo.
The Braves beat the Mildura Heat in the other semi final, 89-75.
