The IMB Illawarra Seahawks had a successful start the the new Waratah ABL season with a solid 105 to 74 victory over the Canberra Nationals at the Snakepit on Saturday.

The Seahawks took control of the game midway through the first quarter and were never headed cruising to a comfortable win.

Illawarra's lineup includes John Philip, Dan Jackson and development player Talor Goodall from this years Wollongong Hawks NBL team, as well as rising young NSW under 20 stars Dom Cooks and Brad Simpson.

Add the experience of former Hawks Kieran Gleeson, Josh Woods and Dan Jackson's older brother Chris Jackson, who is expected to return soon from the USA after completing 4 years at the University of Portland and you have a lineup that is shaping up to be a genuine contender for this years title. 

Leading the way for Illawarra were John Phillip with 27 points  and 13 rebounds, Dom Cooks with 20 points and 11 assists and Talor Goodall 18 points 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

In the earlier game the Illawarra Youth League womens team had an easy 88 to 24 win over  Hornsby Spiders. In a dominant performance over a very young Hornsby team who were missing a number of their top players the Illawarra girls had contributions across the board with 5 players in double figures.

Temeika Tubaro led the scoring with 19 points while Dayna Cannon and Katrina Williamson added 12 each.

Next Saturday in the Waratah ABL the Seahawks are away to Newcastle while the State League men make their season debut at the Snakepit supported by the mens and womens Youth League teams.

Saturday April 15th at the Snakepit.
12pm: Illawarra Y/L men Vs Bankstown
2pm: Illawarra Y/L women Vs Bankstown
4pm: Illawarra S/L men Vs Norths