By Dion Stergiopoulos
St George Saints Mens White returned home last weekend, eager to put their recent woes behind them as they faced off in a highly anticipated local derby vs Sutherland Sharks.
With former NBL representation within their experienced squad, the Sharks started out as the hot favourite, however the youthful Saints did not shy away from the challenge.
With the Sharks getting off to a hot start, the Saints managed to keep pace with their more experienced rivals, making life difficult for the visitors and finishing the first quarter trailing by seven points.
The second quarter was much more physical making life tough for the hosts, with the Sharks outscoring the Saints, taking a big 16-point lead into halftime.
At lot was said during the half time break as the Saints knew they needed a big second half if they were going to come away with the victory.
The Saints responded with a strong showing in the third period, cutting the margin to just ten points heading into the fourth quarter.
Momentum stayed with the home side, with the battle-hardened Saints going toe to toe with the Sharks right to the end, falling agonisingly short, with Sutherland going home with a six-point win.
Despite the tough loss, Saints head coach George Aliferis’ team relished being the underdogs and was impressed with their response after a tough and physical first half.
“We were seen as easy beats and we surprised the Sharks who are one of the favourites this season,” he said.
“The hunger to win and the desire to succeed reflected in today’s game. Our 3-point shooting let us down, and we will come away disappointed with the loss, however I am extremely proud of the effort.”
Saints’ superstar Jayden Tanevski put on another impressive performance, finishing with 40 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 3 steals.
Yianni Trikilis also chipped in with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 steal.
St George will hit the road again after the Easter period, travelling to face off against Goulburn Bears on 26 April.
St George Saints Senior results 12 April 2025
- Youth League Mens White
Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders 97-70 St George Saints
- Mens White
St George Saints 92-98 Sutherland Sharks
- Mens Red
Port Macquarie Dolphins 89-64 St George Saints
St George Saints Senior Results 13 April 2025
- Youth League Womens
Penrith Panthers 70-75 St George Saints
- Youth League Mens White
St George 72-78 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
- Youth League Mens Red
St George Saints 90-71 Newcastle Falcons
