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Echuca Junior Pirates’ under 14A boys side met home side Wangaratta in its first match of the tournament.

The boys started by playing tight defence, frustrating their opponents by blocking their access to the key.

Wangaratta started to edge away in the last minutes of the second half, showing impressive shooting skills from the three-point line.

Liam Tenace played a terrific game, rebounding strongly and Nick Phillips contributed to the score line with a number of assists.

Wangaratta took out the game by 20 points.

Disappointed by their earlier loss, the Pirates went into the game against Yarrawonga-Mulwala with a determined attitude.

Tristan Lindberg made the most of scoring opportunities and Echuca quickly developed a strong lead.

Yarrawonga found itself in foul trouble early in the game and Jordan Hutton added to its frustration with tight defence.

The final margin was more than 40 points going Echuca’s way.

The Pirates had not met Wodonga yet this season so they were an unknown quantity.

Echuca started strongly, scoring 10 points quickly and was able to maintain a small lead throughout the whole match.

Luke Rosendale shot beautifully from the free throw line and Jake Martin rebounded well and again was the major scorer for Echuca.

Wodonga put the pressure on late in the game with some scoring shots but Echuca was able to steady and won by six points, earning the Pirates a place in their second grand final of the season.

Echuca went into the grand final against Wangaratta as the underdogs, having lost to it three times and drawing once.

The Pirates again worked hard in defence, trying to shut down Wangaratta’s scoring opportunities.

Echuca took a two-point lead into the second half, supported by a loud cheer squad.

Liam Smith impressed with a reverse lay-up and Matt Lias continued to drive to the basket.

Echuca showed steady nerves, building on its lead to win its first tournament by a margin of 10 points.