GUNNERS SECURE NBL1 EAST GRAND FINALS BERTH

By BACT Media Unit – 5 August 2024

After securing the 2024 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Minor Premiership, the Canberra Gunners are one win away from completing the double, after a spirited victory over the Sydney Comets on Saturday 3 August 2024 at Tuggeranong Southern Cross Stadium.

Despite a slow start, the Gunners were able to weather a determined Sydney outfit, led by star Biwali Bayles, in the first quarter, before a 2^nd quarter charge saw the Gunners head into the half-time break ahead on the scoreboard.  The Comets fought back in the third period, before the Gunners were able to outscore the Sydneysiders in the final quarter to secure the win.

The Gunners playing depth proved decisive, with Will Mayfield (19pts/4rebs/4asts/4stls/1blk), Glenn Morison (15pts/11rebs/2asts/3blks) and James Toohey (12pts/7rebs/3stls/2asts/2blks) key contributors to the Gunners’ victory, with strong contributions from Lachlan Smith, Cam Pender, Derek Emilifeonwu and Austin Clarke rounding out the team’s performance.

The Gunners Preliminary Final result sees the team advance to the season decider for the 2^nd time in three years.  Standing in their way will be the Maitland Mustangs, who have made their third consecutive NBL1 East Grand Final, but still searching for their maiden Championship.  The rivalry between the Gunners and Mustangs has been one for the highlights of the NBL1 East and has continued to grow since the Gunners defeated the Mustangs in the inaugural NBL1 East season decider in 2022.

Ahead of this Saturday’s Grand Final, Gunners’ Head Coach, Peter Herak said, “The team is excited to get back to another NBL1 East Grand Final, as they understand that it is not an easy task to do over the course of a season and do not take it for granted. The team has worked hard all year to put us in this position and the entire coaching staff are proud of their efforts to get here.”

Herak also praised Gunners’ supporters for their increased input in the lead up to the Grand Final. “The community support over the last few weeks has been amazing and we are hoping they turn out again on Saturday in Penrith”, Herak said. “We are all looking forward to a big week of training to prepare for what will no doubt be great game on Saturday against a well-known and strong Maitland opponent.”

When discussing the challenge ahead, 2024 Gunners’ co-captains’ James Toohey and Glenn Morison agreed that “Maitland have been the best team in the NBL1 East for the last 3 years.”  Toohey went on to say, “To be the best, you have to beat the best”, with Morison adding, “We are a decent team ourselves, and have confidence in ourselves and our preparation, so we are looking forward to the challenge this Saturday.”

The 2024 Mitsubishi Motors NBL1 East Grand Finals presented by National Storage, will be held on Saturday 10 August 2024 at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.  The NBL1 East Women’s Grand Final between Newcastle Falcons and Sutherland Sharks tips-off at 2pm, while the NBL1 East Men’s decider commences at 5.30pm.  Tickets available from Basketball Connect – click on the below to grab your ticket and support our Canberra Gunners: