With hard-nosed skipper Mika Vukona a late defection with a knee infection, someone had to provide the inspiration for the Breakers as they played for their post-season lives at the NSEC. And the 21-year-old Delany, in his first year as a fully contracted player, and 24-year-old Ili, in his second, both played the games of their lives to lead their team to a massive 88-70 victory over a disappointing Melbourne United.

In front of a full house of 4000, delighted with the fight and fire demonstrated by their drastically undermanned side, the Breakers, with a seventh straight home victory over the men from Melbourne, finished the regular season with a 14-14 record.