THE Portland Coasters senior women’s team have made it two wins in a row in the Country Basketball League after a comfortable win over the South Coast Chargers at the Wurdi Baierr Stadium in Torquay on Saturday night, 77-45.

On paper, the game looked challenging for the away side, as they only had seven players, with key players Nicola Handreck and Kayla Pickert unavailable, as well as Tyleah Barr, Hannah Bunney, Toni Rowe and Heidi Jones.

Tayla Nelson, however, stepped into the side for the game and was more than capable of filling the gap.

The younger players still available, who would not normally get as much court time, stepped up admirably as well, with Sarah Tunstall top scoring with 23 points.

Key tall Alana Strom, captain for the day, was enormous under the ring at both ends, and scored 16 points, while Millie Jennings shot well for her 12.

The Coasters got off to a flying start, keeping Surf Coast to single digits in the first quarter, while scoring 16 of their own to take a 16-6 lead into the first break.

It was not all smooth sailing for the visiting team, however, and they went a bit flatter in the middle quarters, letting the Chargers back in to make a game of things.

While the Coasters’ style of play might lend itself well to exciting attacking basketball, it is also risky, and without key players, Handreck especially, the risks become more pronounced.

This is an area coach Ellen Zeunert has set her mind on improving, and she says her side needs to be more careful in possession.

“We (conceded) a lot of turnovers on Saturday,” Zeunert said.

“We need to learn to look after the ball.

“It’s on our own backs, it’s nothing to do with (Surf Coast) defensive wise.”

It is a testament to Portland’s character, however, that they were still able to extend their lead despite having a hard time of things, and they led by 14 points at half time and 16 at three-quarter time.

Zeunert’s preferred style of play is based around transition from the defensive end of the court to the attacking end, and while it is risky, it also creates lots of chances, and indeed, the Coasters blew Surf Coast out of the water in the final term.

They scored 25 points while only conceding nine, to win comfortably by 32 points.

“It was a good win,” Zeunert said afterward.

“Especially with seven players, it was an awesome game by the girls.

“Everyone contributed.

“Tayla Nelson stepped up, I got her on board to play, she came down from Geelong so that was a big help.

“Sarah Tunstall shot beautifully and ran the court well.

“Millie Jennings was good with her driving and passing, and some brilliant defence.

“It was a bit of a jumble, we had to try new combinations and new positions with our players.

“Our rebounding was good, we were crashing in to get boards, and we had good transition.

“Rhi (Davis), Alana and Tayla, our talls, rotated through really well.

“It was a real team effort, everyone did their roles.”