By Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds coach John de Jonge said they are going to have to get used to winning ugly in the Big V men’s division 2 season.
It’s been a bit of a tough start to the season for the Thoroughbreds with results and injuries, but they finally got on the board in round three.
It wasn’t easy, with the side needing extra time to get over the line.
Thoroughbreds coach John de Jonge said it was a bit stressful watching on the sidelines.
“I think we won ugly and will have to do it for the rest of the season,” he said. “Credit to the boys it was a hard game and they stuck to the game plan mostly.
“It was what we needed after the previous weekend.”
de Jonge believes they have played two of the sides to beat this season and were in the mix in both games which is a good sign moving forward.
The first one they were beaten in the last few minutes of the game, the other they won.
As well as some tough results, the Thoroughbreds lost two key players to injury.
Josh de Jonge, who could play anywhere from the one to four position went down and then they lost Calvin Jasmine as well, both with shoulder injuries.
It means the Thoroughbreds are having to look at different combinations in their new look roster.
“The guys on the weekend filled those roles and gaps and we were able to get a win against Mildura, who we think will be up there,” De Jonge said.
“On paper we have an interesting group and a lot of people will see us and there’s a lot of players who they won’t know.
“There’s a lot of players who can come off the bench and play significant roles.”
de Jonge said they had a lot of locals at the club and had looked to some players who have played youth league and Country Basketball League for the Thoroughbreds to step up.
He highlighted William Lord, who is still in under-18s, and Campbell Jones, who showed his defensive skills late in the win against Mildura.
de Jonge said skipper Liam Allison had done an exceptional job leading the side this season.
The Thoroughbreds are back in action on Saturday night against the Surf Coast for the second time.
de Jonge said they were aiming to get better as the season goes along with a new coach, new group and new offensive and defensive structures.
“The whole plan is to learn and each week get a little bit better,” he said. “Whether we win or loss there are challenges we are looking forward to.
“Hopefully it’ll hold us in good stead at the back end of the year.”
