MILDURA Heat were on fire over the weekend, bouncing back with a vengeance to burn the Echuca Pirates in an epic Country Basketball League (CBL) grand final rematch.

Reining premiers Pirates had the home-court advantage in Saturday’s showdown, but it did not get the better of Heat, who came out “all guns blazing” from tip-off to earn redemption.

Brodie Townsend made sure his side’s presence was felt on court within the first minute when he sent it from downtown to bank a three-pointer.

From then onward it was very much a game of “cat and mouse” with all players fighting hard in a goal-for-goal opening quarter.

Heat continued to hold a three-point lead in the first half with consistent and accurate scoring from Townsend and Noah Valentich.

However, the tables turned in the third term when Riley Clarke nabbed a three-pointer on the buzzer to give Pirates ownership (56-53).

It was anyone’s game heading into the final quarter, as both sides proved they were hungry for the win and were not going to go down without a fight.

Heat stepped up with Harry Curran, Jack Hicks and Nicholas Matulic scoring the first three goals to give their side a four-point lead.

Strong defensive pressure also kept Pirates scoreless, until about six minutes into the term when Regan Smith scored a single foul shot, followed by a goal from Liam Tenace.

But, it was too late in to get Pirates over the line with Heat stealing the win 63-68.

Heat coach Calvin Henry said the boys “came out very focused” in the game, particularly because they were beaten by the Pirates by 10 points in last season’s grand final. “They were very determined to play well,” he said.

“Brodie and Harry played very well -- Brodie on offence and Harry on defence.

“I think the difference in the game was our defence and sticking together as a group.”

Townsend top scored for Heat with 14 points, alongside Noah Valentich 10 points and Zane Lueth 10 points.

Single digit scorers were Kyle Newey (8), Torben Mcfarlane (8), Jack Hicks (7), Nicholas Matulic (6), Tarryn Shaddock (3), Harry Curran (2).

The side backed it up on Sunday when they came head-to-head with their rivals, Swan Hill Flyers.

Again, Heat did not have the home-court advantage, but hit the court with confidence after Saturday’s hotly-contested match.

Zane Leuth (18 points) and Brodie Townsend (13 points) top scored again with Nicholas Matulic (10 points) also producing double figures.

Every player contributed to the Heat’s final score with singles from Torben Mcfarlane (9 points), Tarryn Shaddock (8 points), Noah Valentich (6 points), Jack Hicks (5 points), Kyle Newey (4 points) Ethan Deale and Harry Curran (1 point).

Henry said the “game went well” and the boys were fortunate to come away with a win, following Saturday’s tough match.

“Zane played very well and he was our best player on Sunday,” he said.

“I think the boys stuck together all weekend when things weren’t going our way.

“Our zone defence in both games worked for us and with a week off we will continue to train and work on our defence.”

Heat have a bye in the third round, before hosting a seventh-placed Kyneton Tigers on Saturday, November 2.

Their double-weekend win has brought them up to third on the ladder, trailing Maryborough Blazers (second) and the Bendigo Braves (first).