The Andy Bay Falcons withstood a huge challenge from Andy Bay Kavanagh in women’s club basketball on Tuesday night.

There was nothing between the sides the whole way, but the Falcons emerged 70-66 victors in a thriller down the stretch.

It was a near-run thing though for a young and depleted Kavanagh side, which impressed with just five players.

Falcons forward Zoe Richards (28 points) proved a decisive figure in the second half.

She managed 10 points in the third quarter and 12 in the fourth, her ability to finish around the hoop and crash the offensive boards key.

Kavanagh did not let that keep it behind, though, as Annabelle Ring (19 points) and Dre Whaanga (21 points) both put on impressive displays to keep their side in touch.

The Falcons went to the first break ahead 19-18, but Kavanagh fought back and a buzzer beater from Annalise Wilson left it in front 34-32 at halftime.

Richards stepped her game up in the third and helped the Falcons back to a 48-46 lead.

The lead changed several times throughout the fourth quarter, but a late Jodie Hope three-pointer and two Zoe Richards free throws helped the Falcons close out the win.

Meanwhile the Ajax v South Pac Magic game was not played.

Both sides contain a high number of Otago Gold Rush players, and it was decided to rest them ahead of the team’s WBC match against the Taranaki Thunder in Dunedin tomorrow.

In other results from B Grade:

Ajax Miners 50 def 26 South Pacific Magic White

South Pacific Magic Purple 53 def 46 Falcons B

Varsity B 20 def 0 Varsity Blue by default