I had a very enjoyable time at the 50th Anniversary of the Southern Basketball Association function last Saturday night. As a co-founder of the association (formerly known as Sandringham Basketball Club) – it felt great to catch up and have a yarn with many who I had not seen for years.
The Association has had an incredible growth officially starting out in a converted Memorial Hall in Waltham Street, Sandringham to an 8-court stadium in Tulip Street, Cheltenham. The converted court was so small that teams played in four a side teams.
PHOTO 1: members of the then U/14 representative Sandringham team during training – the team played in the Victorian Junior Championships U/14B grade and won the premiership in 1976 – the first of our junior teams to do so. I was fortunate and proud to coach this team
PHOTOS 2 & 3: shows the current eight court stadium.
Congratulation and well done to all past and current members.
A special mention to Basil Cervi, co-founder whose vision and energy started the Club/Association. We met in 1973, and it was Basil who mentioned to me about starting a basketball club in Sandringham. I, with Brian Files assisted him to realise his dream.
Thanks, much appreciated.
Regards
Chris Bennett
