Myrtleford claimed their first scalp of the Country Basketball League season over at Shepparton on Saturday, dominating throughout to come home with the win 70-31.

After last weekend’s agonisingly close loss to Albury in round one, the Saints were determined to secure the win and breath some life into their title defence.

From the first whistle, it was practically one-way traffic, with Myrtleford up by seven points at quarter time.

If the first term was the appetiser, then the second was the main course, with the Saints completely dominating all facets of the match.

Composed passing, elite offensive capabilities and staunch defence saw the Saints put up 21 points through the second quarter, a game high, and only concede nine to head into the break up 35-16.

With Shepparton’s spirit all but broken, the Saints maintained their intensity through the second half, with the final nail in the coffin coming thanks to an 18-5 fourth term.

Taylah Reidy was incredible, sinking 19 points herself, while Matilda Preston (10 points, two threes), Emilee McPherson (eight points) and Lily Purss (eight points) also performed well.

The result sees the Saints sit third on the North East Women CBL ladder, set to take on the winless Wallan at Myrtleford this Saturday.

While the women triumphed, the men’s side are still yet to record a win after they fell to the Gators 45-70.

From a balanced opening quarter which saw them lead by a single point, the Saints exploded through the second term, outscoring the Gators to head into the half-time break up 28-23.

However, Shepparton were far from out of the contest, with the Gators doubling Myrtleford’s third quarter output to reverse the ledger and lead by three points with one quarter to play.

Despite a courageous effort from the Saints, they couldn’t keep pace with Shepparton, who would win the quarter 31-9 and seal the result.

Marcus La Spina (17 points) and Levi Young (10 points) led the charge on the scoreboard, and were ably assisted by Nicholas La Spina, Lachlan Russell and Bailey Robb.

The Saints return home this weekend, taking on Wallan at the Myrtleford Sports Stadium on Saturday evening.