Brawl hits WBA final

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Despite a brawl initiated by Vipers' Dwight Reid in the dying moments of Saturday night's deciding game three, Sav Hawks, which had a comfortable 65-45 lead at the time, were crowned Western Basketball Association (WBA) Lucozade men's basketball champions.

"The disruption at the end of the game somewhat spoiled our moment of joy," said Sav Hawks' player/coach Maurice Rodriques, whose team has now qualified for next season's National Basketball League (NBL) competition. "None-theless, our objective was to win this title and we are happy we did."

Very irate

After being fouled out of the game, which was played at the Montego Bay Cricket Club (MBCC), an irate Reid went outside the playing area and after pelting match referee Deon Williams with expletives, threw the contents of a beverage he was drinking in Williams' face and splashing a reporter/photographer who was standing close by.

Williams reacted to Reid's action and an ugly brawl followed. Bottles were thrown and a fist-fight erupted as several spectators rushed to the referee's defence, while a few of Reid's teammates joined him in his disruptive behaviour.

"I saw the whole thing, and it was sparked by Reid's (Dwight) atrocious behaviour," said WBA president Donalda Reid. "This man (Reid) has had a history of bad behaviour over the years and here he was at it again, tonight."

One-year ban

Reid was hit with a one-year ban for a similar offence two years ago.

The Hawks lost game one of the best-of-three finals 61-43, but rallied back to level the series 1-1 with their hard-fought 48-40 game two win.

Prior to the brawl, they were in sparkling form on Saturday as Vipers struggled to match their intensity.

Hawks won the first quarter 13-6, Vipers took the second 19-17, the Hawks rebounded to take the third 16-8 and were coasting along 21-10 in the final quarter when the brawl unfolded inside the final minute.

"The winners accepted their trophy tonight and will participate in an award ceremony at an exhibition match between themselves (Hawks) and an All-Star team in September," said president Reid. "The other teams will receive their prizes; and the stars of the regular season and the play-offs will also be recognised for their achievements."

Dylon Hodges, who had 16 points and 16 rebounds, was the outstanding player in the Hawks' win. He was well supported by Kareem Hibbert, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds; and Richard Chambers, who had 18 points and four rebounds.

Chris Bowen and Gavin Forbes, who scored 14 and 10 points, respectively, were the best of the Vipers players.