Warriors unstoppable in Gippsland CBL

The Warragul Warriors are looking unstoppable in the Gippsland CBL, as they prepare for the second half of the season.

The Warriors have remained undefeated in all six of their games and are hoping to continue their streak in the new year.

Warragul’s leading scorer is veteran Mike Santo who is averaging 18.5ppg, followed by captain Jarryd Moss who is averaging 17.3ppg.

Ambu Uliando is on track for another defensive player of the year award and coach Cory Smith has been excited by the team’s near impenetrable defence and outstanding results.

The Gazette revisits their performance so far before play resumes this weekend.

Round 1 
In a two-game round, the Warriors started the season with destruction. Up against new additions Wonthaggi, Warragul showed how tough competition can be in the big leagues with a 31-point win. Final score 95-64.
The following Sunday, they took on perennial title contenders Moe, who weren’t letting up without a fight. It was captain Moss’ 20 points that ultimately led the Warriors to a 75-67 victory.

Round 2 
It was a back-and-forth battle between two titans in the second round, when Warragul took on title favourites Traralgon. 
The Warriors entered the last quarter 16 points down, but showed strength when it mattered. The T-Birds couldn’t stop an onslaught in the final quarter, when Warragul went on a 34-5 run to win the game 87-74.

Round 3
Round three saw the Warriors take on Churchill at home. It was Warragul’s solid defence that kept their opposition’s score low, and proved the key to victory against the Devils. 
Strong performances across the board resulted in a 20-point win for the Warriors, final scores 73-53. 

Round 4 
It was a tough battle in the last game of 2021, when the Warriors travelled to take on Korumburra. With four wins for the season, Korumburra’s young and talented side have shown the potential for upsets against top opponents.
Warragul got in front early and held onto their lead throughout the game, but were outscored in the second half. However, it wasn’t enough for the Wildcats to claw back victory, with final scores 74-67.

Round 5 
Churchill came out firing in the latest round, determined to take revenge for their earlier defeat against Warragul. The Blue Devil’s led by six points in the first half, until Warragul switched on their attack. 
19 points from Santo followed by 13 from Moss helped to turn the game around, with the Warriors once again coming up big when it mattered. Warragul clinched the win, 60-52.