Waratah League: Central Coast Crusaders win first men’s championship

Two points down. 30 seconds to play. What happened next wrote Central Coast Crusaders into the Waratah League’s record books.

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CENTRAL Coast Crusaders are celebrating an inaugural Championship men’s title win which has been 10 years in the making.

Crusaders supporters swarmed onto the court on Sunday evening after Callum Jenkins tipped in the winning shot in the dying seconds of the 74-72 win over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the Waratah Basketball League decider.

Victory in the blue ribbon match of the finals weekend at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium came 10 years to the day after the Crusaders won their first Division One Youth League men’s title.

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Celebrations after the Central Coast Crusaders' 74-72 win over Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Picture: Narelle Spangher, Basketball NSW

Coach Chris Ohlback and captain Ollie Robilliard embrace after Central Coast Crusaders' 74-72 win over Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Picture: Narelle Spangher

The core of that group, who grew up together, continued on to win the Championship men’s flag, along with their long-time coach Chris Ohlback who said the victory was “massive”.

“I’ve been part of that program for so many years and the ultimate goal was to one day have those guys feed through to Championship level and take out a title,” he said.

Mitchell Rueter was named grand final MVP, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists and a spot in the Championship Men’s All-Star Five.

In addition to praising the efforts right across his team, Ohlback was also grateful for the support of assistant coaches Ian Robilliard and Julian Khazzouh.

Coach Chris Ohlback celebrates with this squad. Picture: Narelle Spangher

Captain Ollie Robillard addresses the crowd. Picture: Narelle Spangher

And, as for winning captain Oliver Robilliard, there was no wiping the smile off his face.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” he said.

“It’s really amazing to get this moment.”

The Championship Men were the only Crusaders in action on Sunday, after the Youth League Division One women and men were knocked out in their semi-finals on Saturday.

The Youth League women lost to Norths 71-53, while the Youth League men went down 80-76 to Penrith.

Celebrations after the Central Coast Crusaders' 74-72 win over Manly. Photo: Narelle Spangher, Basketball NSW