19/09/2026
A terrific game to wrap up the Prem 1 season - sadly not the drought breaking result we hoped for as our men, despite leading most of the journey, fell short to Norths 68-83.
Rats got off to a great start, the defensive effort off the charts, the ball movement sharp and Liam Naughton (15 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals) lighting up the stage. This high pressure chalked up the fouls, an 8-1 count in the first (21-11 on the night) getting Norths to the line (16 of 22) to help keep them in touch against the building Rats momentum.
Each challenge was answered. Outsized, Rats contested at the rim. Defensively they rotated and closed out. Hands were in the lane. Matt Beard-Browning (6 points) put his handles on show, breaking through any pressure. Big shots came as Ryan Gooch (20 points) owned the mid-range and Kai Hush (9 points) and Will Goodwin (6 points) helped keep Rats in front.
Norths clearly ramped up the defence after the half, a succession of turnovers keeping the margin at single figures. A contested layup with heavy, uncalled contact sent Ben Godwin to the floor halfway through the third term, rolling his ankle, ending his night and further exposing Rats lack of interior size. It was costly but still Rats clung on to the lead, whittled to just a single point at the last break.
Rats were unable to lift in the final term, Norths hitting a succession of big threes to take a lead they would not surrender. The final margin certainly failed to reflect the closeness of the contest.
A wonderful season for Coach Nic and his guys comes to close. An epic finals run with a foundation in defensive effort and team-first basketball. Super proud.
