Southland public shows outstanding support

OPINION: What an outstanding week it was last week, if you are a basketball fan in Southland, writes Richard Dickel in this week's From the Shark Tank.

All the hard work that everyone has put in over the past three months finally paid off with the outstanding support that was shown to us by the Southland public. It was a real lift for the team to see not only how many people turned out but to hear how loud and into the game everyone became right from the tip-off.

Personally, I would thank everyone who attended the game and made it the spectacle that it was.

The guys got a huge lift from each and every one of you when we needed it most. The outstanding world-class venue we have here in Invercargill is going to be a place visiting teams do not look forward to playing in because of our supporters.

Those of you who didn't attend the first game, we want your support, too. Come along and watch a sport that creates a new and unique atmosphere.

During the game the guys showed all the fight and grit that is expected of Southland sporting teams. We came back and fought hard but things just didn't really go our way. In saying that, we still had a good chance to win the game.

We are a young, new team but good things will come in time, and with playing together. I am incredibly proud of the team and their efforts. We should all be proud of this team because the players give it their all every time for their adopted province.

As I look forward to this weekend's game against Harbour Heat, I see it as a chance for us to take a step forward against one of the star-studded teams of the league and it will be a great test for us. We have been focusing on team dynamics this week and will face the challenge ahead knowing we have loyal support at home.

To check out quarter-time scores during the game, which is at 3pm on Sunday at the North Shore Events Centre, go to www.sharksbasketball.co.nz.

» Southland Sharks basketball coach Richard Dickel with an inside view on whats happening with the provinces newest professional team.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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