The Seahawks were without Xavier Johnson-Blount for Saturday’s game against Melton Thoroughbreds and lost Dion Smith to an ankle injury in the first quarter.

Coach Matt Alexander said the team was hopeful of getting Johnson-Blount back ahead of next week’s clash with top-of-the-table Keilor Thunder.

But Liam Osborne – who had only spent one minute on court with the division one men’s team so far this season – relished the chance to step up in the 66-77 loss.

“He played 23 minutes and he played really well,” Alexander said.

“That was really pleasing, just going very deep into our list (with the injuries) and seeing where we get.”

Jay Rantall has also increased his minutes significantly the past three weeks, while experienced hand Tim Gainey led the way.

“Tim Gainey was really great (Saturday) night,” Alexander said. “He had 20 points and 14 rebounds.

“It was really good to see him step up and be that playmaker and score some shots for us.”

While the Seahawks trailed the Thoroughbreds early, it was never by more than 13 or 14 points as they kept the deficit under control.

They took the lead in the third quarter, holding a narrow one-point advantage, but the home team finished strong to walk away 11-point winners.

“Their little point guard (Billy Feben) came out and he was crucial to them,” Alexander said.

Meanwhile, the Warrnambool Mermaids proved too strong for the Blackburn Vikings, winning 64-50, with debutant Abbey Sutherland top-scoring with 46 points.

The Seahawks’ youth league division two side lost to Melton Thoroughbreds 78-91, with Griffen McLeod draining 19 points.