Our ‘Gippsland Physiotherapy Group’ Gippsland United Women’s team have won their first final by 22 points! In a fantastic performance the team dominated after quarter time. Young gun Jamie Gallatly exploded in the second term turning the game on its head. We outscored the home team 25-8 and were not headed again. A terrific team effort with every player contributing points. Chloe Hogg led all scorers with 17 points. It was fantastic to see GU supporters in the crowd who made the long trip to support the team.

Looking towards Week 2 of the finals and there is a real concern amongst the remaining teams in the women’s competition about meeting our Women’s team. The teams form leading into the finals has been exemplary, currently on a 5 win streak.

The Women will travel to RMIT on Saturday night to face local jet Sammy Labros who couldn’t be stopped in last outing, scoring 41 points! Sammy carried her team to a 4 point victory and she will be the difference this week. Coach Wayne Royal will be putting a lot of defensive planning into trying to contain Sammy’s output this week, and the success of those plans will go a long way to securing a United Victory.

Carly Wood and Mish Clark missed the last game and will be imporant additions this week. With a patient approach with ball security, United will have to many offensive weapons and will come home with another win!

Prediction: United by 11

Wallan won the right to play our United Men. The finals series for the Div2 men is a ‘best of 3’ games. The first game will be played at Wallan, with the other two return games being played at Traralgon next weekend (Sat & Sun -if needed)

Arcaim Lallemand has been dominant for Wallan this season and scored 32 points when the two teams last met. He was brilliant last week in the first final, scoring 34 points and pulling down 17 rebounds. He is huge threat and coach Scott McKenzie has to try and counter his impact. Both teams will be desperate to win the first of the three games, with a win putting the pressure on.

Scott McKenzie has welcomed the week off as the wear and tear of the season has taken its toll. The weeks rest has freshened up his squad and he is confident that they are ready to go. With a focus on team defense and defensive rotations the men believe in each other and are playing with great chemistry.

Prediction: United by 7

At the time of the report we believe that both games will be streamed on the home teams Facebook page, although it would be amazing to UNITE and get to the games to support both teams.