The Good, The Bad and The Scheibs... ep.12
Week 12 it was and I made it out to Logan for the first time this year to check out a full PClips squad taking on the Thunder. Coronas were cold and a reasonable 6 bucks, just no lime, but my daughter said the chicken burger was top shelf! Also got to give a shout out to me old friend Luvi Taylor for a couple of freebies, I know that will kill Luke Cann, so I had to mention it!!
Now I knew that because of the pathetic three pool set up and the playoff format that MDore were never going to win this game, as their only chance to make the playoffs is by Logan finishing with the best record which would allow the South pool three playoff spots. However a fully laden PClips side is an exciting crew to watch, and they didn’t disappoint. J Page and Zane Meehl are one of the top backcourts in the league. They were on fire early as were the Thunder and it was a high scoring, free flowing, exciting first quarter. Import Eric McAllister was sublime and showed he’s back with a vengeance, 30 and 15 at a great clip. However the big three from Logan of Cedar, Baker and Young were the difference. Youngy showing he has added a reliable three point shot to his arsenal and hit 3 of 5 and dominated in the paint. Baker was Baker, but on this night Mick Cedar had a POW performance with a triple double of 24 points, 15 board and 10 assists. The guy wound the clock back and if Legan didn’t get 50 he has to be the POW, he was extraordinary. Guard Sepokas showed me he knows how to play the supporting role and he did it well! Thunder under D Rucker are my favourites, home court or not.
What the hell happened at Auchenflower on Saturday night? This game was out of control early and the refs never did get it back under control. Apparently in the fourth quarter Z Carter somehow found himself nearly clocked by a Rory Sutton elbow after a rebound, must have been a long carom cause Carter managed a whole 3 points and not a solitary rebound for the entire game! In true Marshmallow fashion he had a whinge to the ref about no foul on the air swing elbow and was duly rewarded with a T. Rory and Carter had a chat and the next thing you know the two are on the ground and others joined in. In the wash up both Sutton and Carter joined previously ejected Rip player Reed for an early shower.
Tough to tally it up but I am pretty sure there were 7 Technical or unsportsmanlike fouls, a brawl, 3 players and get this 5 spectators tossed from the game. That’s some sort of record. I said to myself probably a crew of rookie refs, but wait for it, BQ ref supremo Matt Skinner was the lead official and apparently he was in the thick of it. Now I have spoken to parties from both sides and they agree, the tossing of the 5 spectators was a total overreaction. I mean clearly the refs had no control of this game, and it’s clear why. If you can hear what spectators are saying in the crowd during a game you are not focusing on doing the job you are paid to do. Surely it’s about the game and the players, the best refs are the ones nobody remembers. If we have to resort to having the BQ head of officials actually ref QBL games there is something seriously wrong with the depth and development in the refereeing ranks. Also tossing out cheap T’s for guys raising their arms to ask why that was a foul, is not the answer. I can only hope that’s not what is being taught to any young and upcoming refs.
Now on to a much better decision by a quality ref in Gladstone. We all know the Tville Happy Rock game was cancelled because of a dangerous slippery floor. I have heard comments about this, well they played the whole women’s game before, and Townsville were losing. The Suns wanted a rest for their must win game the following night. All might be true, but it is good to see Toni C recognised that a dangerous situation was taking place and she did the right thing and called the game. The days of ignoring player’s safety are over, this was the correct call and well done Toni and crew for having the guts to do it!
However now it is up to BQ to do the right thing, here, I know that’s a big ask. Gladstone had no control over the record breaking rainfall that inundated their stadium. This is a home game for the Power and must be played in Gladstone. I have heard whispers of trying to schedule the game in Mackay, WTF! BQ spend the money and do the right thing. This game unlike the game you never replayed last year, HAS to be replayed and played in Gladstone. They have an airport in Townsville and Gladstone right? Just do it and for once put the integrity of the league ahead of your bottom line.
Finally a word about Tville winning a big one in Rocky, wow! These guys find a way, that’s a huge win. It has ramifications everywhere too. This week’s big game is Tville visiting Cairns. I am telling you punters if you can get some coin on the Heat get all over it. Once again cause of the asinine playoff setup, Cairns only real hope of making the playoffs is if Townsville finish on top, if they knock off the Heat there is no chance of them advancing. That’s why the Gladstone game must be played, the Power will want nothing more than to knock TVille off and their early form suggests that it is a possibility. Then again since the NBL came to Cairns I wonder how much the Marlins really do care about the QBL. So don’t bet your house on it....LOL! Disclaimer: This article was prepared or accomplished by Rob Scheibner in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the Basketball Expressions.
