By Tara Murray
Hume City Broncos have claimed the scalp of reigning premiers the Sunbury Jets in the opening round of Big V state championship.
The teams faced off in the opening round for a second successive year – the Jets came away with the points last year and this time out the Broncos turned the tables.
For most of the game, the new-look Broncos that had their heads in front.
Like all good sides, the Jets found another level late and were able to get the margin back to two points.
But the Broncos steadied for an 84-80 win.
New Broncos coach Dee Butler was thrilled.
“It was lovely,” she said. “Wins are important at this time of the year.
“I’m acutely aware that they were missing two elite players, though.”
Photo Gallery: Sunbury Jets vs Hume City Broncos
Butler said there were some really good signs for the Broncos, but she had expected the Jets to come back at them late.
She said she was pleased with how her players responded when they were challenged.
“They [the Jets] know how to win and they are a championship team … with experience having played together for a numbers of years,” she said.
“We needed to make sure we were aware of that and we were able to come away with some plays late. It’s something to build on.”
BreAnna Brock had an instant impact in her first game for the Broncos, scoring 31 one points and dominating on the boards.
Butler said Brock brought a lot of experience and maturity to the Broncos.
Nicole Zammit, Teyla Evans, Azia Bishop and Bianca Babic hit double figures as the Broncos shared the scoring around.
Thrilled with the first-up win, Butler is confident her side will get stronger as the season builds.
Of the starting five on Saturday night, only Zammit was at the club last season.
“Azia only arrived on Wednesday and we only had one full training session together,” she said.
“Sometimes it takes a few weeks to mesh into group and I still think that is the case.
“We’ve got a nice balance with the team and the personalities are great … everyone wants to win.
“The young players coming through can see that and are excited and want to be part of the senior program.”
The Broncos will this week face Bulleen Boomers.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-jets-fall-short/pub/sunbury_macedon_ranges/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/hume-city-broncos-recruits-right-home/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-thoroughbreds-come-firing/
