The Seymour Blasters Men launched its campaign at the weekend, returning to the court for the regular Country Basketball League (CBL) season in the North East Men category.
The Blasters finished the previous 2023–24 season on a strong note, narrowly missing out on the grand final after a 17-point defeat to the Benalla Breakers in the semi finals.
With last year’s motivation to take on this year’s season, the Blaster’s first game was in round two against Shepparton Gators at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday afternoon.
The Blasters were fully committed from jump ball, determined to gain an early advantage which the side demonstrated in the first quarter, claiming 25 points while the Gators held onto 17 points in the end of the first quarter.
Heading into the second quarter, the Gators had a likely chance to take control of the game, but the Blasters countered with a series of strategic plays, keeping the pressure on their opponent.
It was back-to-back two-pointers and a three-pointer from the Blasters towards the end of the second quarter just when the Gators almost gained the upper hand.
As the second quarter ended, the score stood at a tightly contested 37-35, but the third and last quarter were the most critical periods of the match for both sides.
With the score looking close on the scoreboard at the third quarter, Seymour had to take all its shots on the court to keep its lead, and while the side displayed a strong start, the Gators often challenged the side at times, especially during the final quarter.
As the match progressed, Shepparton experienced a spare moment of victory at the start of the fourth quarter, after producing back-to-back three pointers which shifted the game’s momentum in the side’s favour.
But in true Blaster’s form, the team was relentless in their pursuit of victory.
Seymour’s Jesse Brock was the game-changer in the last quarter, giving three points on the scoreboard when the match was on the line for the Blasters.
After overcoming challenges in the last quarter, when the game was almost in Shepparton’s hands, the Blasters stepped away with a 78-74 win as their first game and win for the season.
The Seymour Blasters will have a big week in the third round with a double header, taking on the Wallan Panthers away on Saturday, with one more game against Echuca Pirates at midday in another away game on Sunday.
