Basketball: Whangaruru double dashed

Whangaruru teams narrowly failed to complete the men's and women's basketball double this season, when Portland just got up to claim the men's title 83-81 at Kensington Stadium.

The men's final was a fitting end to the season and had everyone on the edge of their seats right until the final buzzer.

The lead and momentum in the game changed frequently between the previously unbeaten Whangaruru Bloodlines and the defending champions Portland Blazers but it was the Blazers who always seemed to have a slight edge on the scoreboard at the end of each quarter.

The experience and skill of Ethan Penney (23 points) and Harlyn Cluney (22) was at the forefront of Portland's victory, although Whangaruru standout Imrahn Wihongi-Henare (26) and veteran Carmen Hetaraka (18) marshalled their mostly young side to within an inch of victory. The match was a typically physical encounter between the two teams with Portland co-coaches Ray Cameron and Tom Clunie stressing the emphasis on defensive rebounds before and during the match.

With the title on the line it was good work by the referees to keep the emotion, running high on both sides, from boiling over and ruining a great spectacle. The Blazers' Penney was later named MVP for the 2014 season.

Earlier on Saturday, Whangaruru women won the women's Te Tai Tokerau Classic title for the third successive season with the tireless Sian Telfer top-scoring with 23 points.

Karlene Kingi dominated the key to score 18 points and the reliable Reannon Heteraka-Sadler put in her normal work rate to pick up the competition MVP award later in the evening.

Muriwhenua provided stiff opposition throughout the match with Rangi Tawhara launching several good drives to the hoop to finish with 15 points and Freda Riwai was also strong on the ball. Whangaruru's defensive pressure eventually took its toll on the Kaitaia team and saw them falter in the final quarter as Whangaruru finally took control of the match to win 66-54.

The semifinals on Friday night produced a lot of points but only one really competitive game.

Whangaruru Bloodlines walloped Maunu Lites 127-53. The other match was a complete contrast with City Hawks getting over a poor first half to give Portland a second spell battle, but the Blazers managed to hold them off to win 60-49.

In the women's semifinals, Muriwhenua comfortably beat Phoenix Takahiwai 79-30 while Whangaruru took care of Portland Flames 70-40 without really breaking their stride.