Double Header, Double Trouble for Panthers

By Noel Rowsell

The Penrith Panthers have completed their first double-header round of the 2023 Coles express NBL1 east competition, facing the hills District hornets on Friday night and the Norths Bears on Saturday afternoon, in Round 5 of the competition.

Whilst the weekend started brilliantly, with the Panthers women scoring a 86-59 win over the Hornets, the weekend would go dramatically downhill from that moment, with 3 huge losses over the remaining 3 games.

The Penrith men lost 107-67 to the hornets on Friday night, then the Penrith women lost 93-36 to the Bears and the Penrith men lost 113-62 to the Bears on Saturday.

The Panthers women were impressive against the hornets, with 5 different players all hitting double figures, whilst restricting the Hornets to just one player achieving that feat. Meg Jefferson led the Panthers with 18 points, ahead of Tahlia Tupaea 17, Chloe Williams 14, Dominika Faber 12 and Franny Peters 12.

Sunday’s game against the Bears was however a major challenge for the Panthers, with captain Peters picking up an early injury and key import Tupaea missing the game entirely, following an injury against the hornets.

The Bears were simply ruthless against the under-strength Panthers, leading 29-7, 51-13 and 64-26 at the first three breaks in play, then turning up the heat in the final quarter to run away to a thumping 57-point victory.

Chloe Williams and Meg Jefferson were the best for the Panthers, finishing with 15 and 14 points respectively.

The hornets men were on song from the opening whistle on Friday night, with former Panther Ben Kearins tormenting his old club with a 30-point ‘Man of the Match’ performance, backed up by former European journeyman Paul Brotherson with 23. The hornets led 32-21, 62-33 and 81-51 at the first three breaks, before cruising to a 40-point win.

Kaylis Beaumont-Tafua led the Panthers with 13 points, ahead of Ammaron McCarthy 12 and Preston Matia 11.

Sunday’s action saw a repeat of the carnage, with Bears star Junior Madut grabbing a stunning gamehigh 50 points as the Bears crushed the Panthers by 51 points. The home team led 41-19, 67-37 and 90-52 at the first three breaks, then shut the Panthers down in the final quarter to inflict yet another crushing win on the NBL1 debutantes. Pranaya Sakya and Preston Matia led the Panthers with 19 and 12 points respectively.

“The Panthers showed great character at the defensive end of the floor against the Hornets,” said Women’s head coach Bernie Slattery. “It was a strong team display, as they controlled the game with gritty defence and spectacular shooting. The final score 86-59 reflected our ability to repel the constant challenge from the Hills’ girls.

“The game was the best overall performance from the fledgling Panthers to date and the range of contributors is pleasing for the team. Another bright spot for the weekend was returning Penrith stalwart Kate Pozoglou, who answered the call and has joined the team, adding effort, energy, defence and rebounding.”

Both Penrith teams are on the road again this weekend in the ANZAC round, playing the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on Saturday night at the Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, Warriewood. The Panthers back-up on Sunday, in their first home games of the season, playing the Canberra Nationals (women) and Canberra Gunners (men) at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre - Women’s game at 1pm and Men’s game at 3pm.

To commemorate the ANZAC round, NBL1 conferences across the country will honour the service of troops past and present, with some teams wearing special ANZAC jerseys across the round, and an ANZAC Medal to be awarded to the player that best epitomises the ANZAC Spirit of endurance, courage and mateship.