04/10; 11/10; 18/10; 25/10; 01/11; 08/11; 15/11; 22/11; 29/11; 06/12; 13/12; 17/01; 24/01; 31/01; 07/02; 14/02; 21/02; 28/02; 21/03;

 

W/e 21st March 2010

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

COLCHESTER JAMMERS 74 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 67

The final league fixture for Southend Swifts under 18 boys team saw them meet Colchester Jammers, a team they had defeated on their own court by 17 points just two weeks earlier.

The home side showed their intent from the off, jumping out to an 8-2 lead, which they extended to 14-6 after six minutes. A three-pointer from Alex Smith looked like it would stem the tide, but six straight for Colchester helped them to a 22-14 first quarter lead.

The gap widened to double digit at 29-18 but good work from Smith, Oliver Crussell and Daniel Eagling triggered an outstanding 16-4 run that took Swifts 34-33 ahead before they conceded five of the last seven points to trail 38-36 at the half time interval.

Jammers again came out stronger, nine unanswered to again lead by 11, but three consecutive three-pointers, from Crussell, Eagling and Wilfred Mutero, brought it back to two. The hosts again led by four but another Smith three-pointer and a Ross Mann basket made it 54-53 to Southend going into the final quarter.

A Crussell three-pointer should have led to a strong finish, but Swifts went scoreless for six minutes as Colchester took a six point lead. They extended this to nine at 68-59 going into the final minute and despite a flurry of points it was not enough as Southend fell to a tough 74-67 defeat that will leave them in 5th place in the conference. Smith with 28 points and Crussell 20 leading the scoring.

 

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 72 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62

Whilst there were fireworks on Swifts home court, their under 18 boys team travelled to Hertfordshire to take on the home Warriors, who were standing just one place above them in the league table.

Swifts made a poor start, quickly finding themselves 10-2 down, and despite both teams struggling to find the basket it was 17-6 after seven minutes. With only Alex Smith showing any form, an 8-2 run gave the home side a 25-8 first quarter lead.

A more positive opening for Southend looked to have given them some hope and midway through the second period it was 31-17. But Hertfordshire upped their intensity, putting together a 14-2 spell that broke the game open at 45-19. Surprisingly Swifts found some resolve and a 9-2 run brought it back to 47-28 at half time: Oliver Crussell and Graham Oluwadare sharing the points.

Led by 5 points from Smith, Southend certainly made a determined start, reducing the deficit to 53-37 as they fought to get back into the match. Five straight for Crussell made it 57-44 and suddenly it was game on. Hertfordshire got away again at 64-46 but with the last five points the visitors gave themselves a chance at 64-41 going into the last 10 minutes.

With scores at a premium in the early minutes, it was 68-57 after four minutes. But Swifts lost their discipline, conceding two technical fouls as they surrendered eight of the next nine points and there was no way back, as they lost disappointingly by 76 points to 62, with Smith on 21, Crussell 20 and Oluwadare 16.

 

Latest game fires blanks for “Moulton”

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Leicester “Cannons”  77 - 63  Northants “Moulton”

The standards surrounding under age National League basketball even in the Premier Division has fallen dramatically over the past few years and in most games something always seems ‘to go wrong’. To say that last Sunday’s game at Beauchamp College was a chapter of errors would be a major understatement.

Ten minutes before tip off there was still no official of the Leicester club present. The referees arrived seven and eight minutes before the designated tip off time the Leicester coach five minutes before the game was due to start. Then it was discovered that there wasn’t a scorebook available delaying the tip off 15 minutes.

Once the game started “Moulton” were subjected to some rather strange interpretations where elbows to face were allowed but most other minor fouls were ‘called’ with propensity. In the third period of play a Northants player stepped on an end line when putting pressure on an in-bound pass and was called for a technical foul. When a watching parent made a comment to one of the referees he picked up his coat and left the court. Another lengthy delay resulted before he agreed to complete the game.

As far as the game was concerned “Moulton” will look back on it as another opportunity lost. After  a poor start they closed the gap to 42-35 at half time but then missed a number of easy scoring opportunities  in the second half and were guilty of making a lot of defensive errors. Having said that they weren’t helped by a 22-12 foul count against them and the loss of two players with five fouls.

In the 14 points loss Merson Paul, Bertie Robinson and Jordan Nembehard were the only “Moulton” players able to score in double figures

 

“Giants” too physical for “Thunder

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Mansfield “Giants”  65 – 46  Northants “Thunder”

The Northants “Thunder” junior men went down by 19 points to Mansfield “Giants and the loss could be attributed to two factors. First, a shocking first quarter which saw the county boys outscored 21-9 and the fact that “Thunder” could never come to terms with the physicality of the “Giants” play.

After that appalling start “Thunder” were competitive in the remaining three periods of play without ever threatening to eat into that “Giants” lead. Osman Janneh added a lot of energy to the “Thunder” offensive effort while Imran Akhtar, Fraser Campbell and Jamaine Brown hustled hard on defence but the county boys found scoring against their opponents very difficult all afternoon.

In the 19 points defeat Janneh top scored with 10 points well supported by Harry Neale and Karsten Webb with 8 apiece.  

 

W/e 28th February 2010

On Sunday, Worthing Thunder's Under 18’s visited the bottom of the league team, Sevenoaks Suns, and came away with an easy win in bizarre circumstances.

Sevenoaks started the game with just 5 players present and they struggled to contain a full strength Thunder team who are still chasing runners-up spot in the S.E. Conference. Thunder comfortably won the 1st quarter 29-9 without playing anywhere near their best. Forward, James Tribe, continued his recent impressive form with 12 points in the period, well supported by point guard, Tom Chamberlain, who sank 6 points in the 1st quarter.

Thunder increased the pace and intensity in the 2nd quarter and Sevenoaks cracked under the pressure. Thunder won the quarter 42-7, with Jack Sunderland, Nick Corbin and James Tribe tearing the Suns apart with 16, 8 and 7 points respectively. One of the Sevenoaks players was forced to leave the game through injury so the Suns finished the half in disarray, with only 4 fit players and the score at 71-16 to Thunder.

Things went from bad to worse for Sevenoaks as one of their players fouled out of the game at the start of the 3rd quarter, leaving them with just 3 players. Thunder then went on an 18-0 run with the 3 Sevenoaks players unable to get the ball out of their own half of the court. Two minutes into the 3rd quarter the referees stopped the game to consult with the two team Coaches. After lengthy discussions the referees abandoned the game and awarded it to Thunder 89-16.

Leading scorers for Thunder were Jack Sunderland 19, James Tribe 19, Nick Corbin 12, Matt Edwards 11, Richard Bell 11 and Tom Chamberlain 8.

 

 

W/e 21st February 2010

 

W/e 14th February 2010

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

CAMBRIDGE CATS 81 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 75

A late change of fixture meant that it was a makeshift Southend Swifts under 18 team that travelled out to Cambridge, looking to maintain their play-off position. Cambridge are in 5th place but recorded a one point win when the teams met earlier in the season.

The home side made a great start, taking a 15-3 lead after five minutes but Southend hit back as Oliver Crussell and Graham Oluwadare made their way to the basket. A three-point play from Alex Smith was the last score of the opening 10 minutes as Cambridge led 24-16.

Swifts made a much better start to the second period, putting together a 17-4 run to gain their first lead of the game; Daniel Eagling showing greatly improved offensive skills. Crussell’s three-point shooting was starting to work but Cats kept in the contest and at the midway point the Essex team's lead was just 40-35.

With Crussell shut down, it was left to Oluwadare and Smith to keep the scoreboard moving and they shared 13 of the 15 points scored in the quarter as their team just held on to lead 55-54 going into the final period. But from 63-60 behind Cambridge scored 10 straight points which gave them control as Swifts were forced to play catch-up. Crussell rediscovered his range but his team could never get closer than six as they fell to a disappointing 81-75 defeat with Crussell on 23 points, Smith 22 and Oluwadare 19.

 

W/e 7th February 2010

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST CONFERENCE

ESSEX PIRATES 73 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 83

The two elder Southend Swifts boys teams made the short journey to take on Essex Pirates in their latest round of games. First into action were the under 18s, looking to maintain their top four position.

Pirates started stronger, taking a 13-2 lead after six minutes before good work from Thulani Sibanda and Graham Oluwadare got Southend back into the fray at 17-12. But conceding a 10-4 run saw Swifts trail 27-16 at the end of the first quarter. Matters got worse as from 29-22, Southend conceded 20 of the next 22 points to trail 49-24 and the match seemingly beyond recovery with the half time margin standing at 52-28.

But whatever was said during the half time interval slowly began to reap rewards. From 59-36, Swifts remarkably scored the next 22 points with Sibanda, Oluwadare and Oliver Crussell completely dominating proceedings to trail by just one at the end of the third quarter. With the momentum entirely their way, the same trio continually found their way to the basket as Southend recorded the unlikeliest of victories by 83 points to 73. Sibanda with 33 points and Crussell and Oluwadare 24 each.

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 65 HERTFORDSHIRE WARRIORS 59

For their second game of the weekend, Southend Swifts under 18 boys team had a home fixture against Hertfordshire Warriors. The teams were in joint third place in the table with six wins from nine games played.

The visitors made the slightly better start, leading 6-5 but Southend hit seven straight with Oliver Crussell contributing five. Hertfordshire made two 6-2 runs to re-take the lead before a Thulani Sibanda basket tied the game at 18 all at the end of the first quarter.

Swifts came out strongly at the start of the second period with the first five points and good work from Sibanda and Graham Oluwadare triggered an 8-3 spell that took the lead out to 31-21. However, Warriors hit back with the last eight points of the half to trail just 31-29 at the midway interval.

Hertfordshire certainly had the momentum and a 9-2 run took them five ahead. Southend were struggling to get any easy scoring opportunities and after six minutes they were 44-35 down. An Alex Smith three-pointer seemed to stem the tide but the hosts could get no closer and at the end of the third quarter, Warriors lead was 48-42.

However, for the second time in two days Southend showed huge resolve. A 10-4 run over the first six minutes brought them level and then a 9-2 spell took them 61-54 ahead; Wilfred Mutero with four. Warriors had the next five points and going into the last minute it was just 61-59. But it was Swifts who held their nerve and they had the final four points to record a very hard-earned victory by 65 points to 59. Oluwadare with 24 points, Crussell 15 and Sibanda 13 leading the way.

“Moulton” go so close to getting first win

Junior Men’s Premier League North

Northants “Moulton”  63 - 67    Sefton “Stars”

Going into the third quarter of this Junior men’s Premier Division game Sefton “Stars” had established a comfortable 45-27 lead. Once again “Moulton” had displayed their usual frailties in terms of both defence and offensive execution. With seemingly only pride to play for “Moulton” rather than capitulate as they have done on occasions this season, suddenly found some impetus. They took the period 19-14 and with a 13 points deficit at 59-46 gave themselves just a hope of recording their first win of the season.

The team’s new found confidence was apparent at the start of the final period of play as the intensity of their defence forced a number of Sefton errors. “Moulton” outscored their opponents 15-zero and amazingly found themselves leading 61-59 with three minutes of the game remaining. This season most of the “Moulton” effort has been damage limitation and now they were faced with the possibility of closing a game out.

In the event they failed to do this scoring only another two points and allowing “Suns” to escape with a four points win but for the first time this season “Moulton” had at least shown they could compete with one of the mid-table teams.

In the disappointing defeat Jordan Nembhard maintained his good form with 14 points and he received good support from Merson Paul with 12 points while ‘man-of-the; match Darius Innis scored 10 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Junior Men’s Midlands Conference

Northants “Thunder”  35 - 55  Leicester “Blaze”

When these two teams met just before Christmas “Thunder” turned in a pretty inept performance and “Blaze” came out winners by over 60 points. To lose by just 20 points to a team that is generally accepted of being of Premier League, is no mean feat.

“Thunder” can be proud of their defensive effort which restricted the Leicester scoring machine to just 55 points. “Thunder” were always going to struggle to score with no player managing to get into double figures. Their scoring was led by Frazer Campbell and James Rutter who both scored 8 points.

 

W/e 31st January 2010

Dire Moulton sink to new low

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Derby “Trailblazers”  88 – 55  Northants “Moulton”

This season the Northants “Moulton” junior men have found many ways of losing games. Last Saturday against Derby “Trailblazers” they produced two quarters lacking any kind of intensity or execution. In that twenty minute period they were outscored by 45 points to 17. This came after Moulton had shown themselves well capable of competing with their opponents in the first quarter which they only lost 25-22.

With the game already lost Moulton suddenly became committed in the fourth quarter and showed an intensity which had been totally missing for the previous 20 minutes. “Trailblazers” just edged the final period of play 18-16 giving an indication of what might have been.

Moulton once again showed odd glimpses of what they might achieve but Coach John Collins is finding it difficult to find five players on the court who are all producing error free performances at the same time.  

In the 33 point set back Jordan Nembhard once again refused to give in top scoring with 13 points, Ben Budgen showed promise with 12 and Jacob Holt worked hard at both ends of the court for his 11 point haul.

Junior Men draw a blank at Ilkeston

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Ilkeston “Outlaws”  82 – 82  Northants “Thunder”

90 – 86

The Northants “Thunder” junior men suffered an overtime loss against Ilkeston “Outlaws” after recovering from a ten point deficit and leading with just seconds of the game remaining.

“Thunder” were well below their best in the first half of the game. They trailed 26-16 after the first quarter and were still 8 points adrift at 40-32 at the half.

A stern half time team talk from Coach Rob Eddon seemed to have done the trick in the third quarter as they outscored “Outlaws” 29-18 to take a 61-58 lead. The two teams traded baskets in the final period of play with “Thunder” holding on to go into the final second two up. Ilkeston launched a desperate shot which missed but to the despair of the “Thunder” team an Ilkeston player rebounded the ball and scored with a put back to take the game into overtime.

As so often happens the team that has been ‘caught on the line’ suffered most in the extra period and with both teams looking fatigued it was the “Outlaws” who showed the greater composure to take the game 90-86.

W/e 24th January 2010

Final quarter slump is fatal for Moulton

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Moulton”   74 – 95  City of Birmingham I

The last time these two teams met back in September City of Birmingham won by over thirty points so on the face of it this result represented an improvement for the young Moulton team. In fact the final result was slightly disappointing for the home side because after the third quarter they were only trailing by eight points at 65-57.

Up until that time Moulton had been very competitive against a physically talented Birmingham team combining determined defensive work with some effective offensive work. There was feeling in the Moulton camp that they could achieve there first win of the season if they could maintain their effort and discipline. In the event Birmingham were able to raise the intensity of their game and Moulton completely fell apart. COB outscored Moulton 30-17 in that final period of play to take the game 95-74.

In the 25 points defeat Darius Innis enjoyed his best game of the season scoring 20 points. Innis got good support from Luke Griffiths who contributed 17 points while Jordan Nembhard and Merson Paul also scored in double figures.

Mighty “Magic” destroy Moulton

Manchester “Magic”  110 - 52 Northants “Moulton”

Twenty four hours after their fourth quarter slump against Birmingham, the Moulton team were back on court against Manchester “Magic” one of the top teams in the league.

The game was always going to be tough one for the Moulton students and so it proved with the physically intimidating “Magic” team establishing a 59-31 lead by half time. Moulton then showed their true potential and matched their opponents point for point during the fourth quarter.

Stung by Moulton’s resistance Manchester reverted to their run-and jump defence to devastating effect. Not only were Moulton unable to score, they were often unable even to get off a shot. Moulton scored a paltry two pints in the quarter while “Magic” poured in 32 to take the game

110-52.

All the Moulton players struggled to score but Jordan Nembhard, Jacob Holt, and Darius Innis all battled hard against much bigger opposition.

Late charge sees “Thunder” home

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Northants “Thunder”  67 -61  City of Birmingham II

Going into the last ten minutes of play in this Midland Conference game the scores were all tied up at 46 all. Six minutes later the Birmingham second string led 55-54 and “Thunder’s” stand in coach Grahame Yates called a time out. Whatever he said should be bottled because over the next four minutes of play “Thunder” outscored COB II 13-6 to take the game 67-61.

For “Thunder” Karston Webb was back to his best after injury scoring 12 points; James Rutter and Garnet Walters supported well with 11 and 10 points each.

W/e 17th January 2010

Not only did Reading’s Senior Men reach a semi final today, but the Under 18s who were away to Medway Park Crusaders, also had a great victory as they beat their opponents 79 to 53.

Despite missing two of their key players (who were playing in the Men's quarter final), they cruised into the semi final of the Sureshot Cup, and await the draw tomorrow to discover their opponents in the next round.

W/e 13th December 2009

“Moulton” go zero and ten

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Newcastle “Eagles”  82 - 57  Northants “Moulton

The Northants “Moulton” junior men made the long journey to Newcastle and succeeded only in taking their Premier Division record to played ten, lost ten. The team’s performance was a reflection on the season so far with periods of efficient play matched with a massive number of naive errors.

Like “Moulton”, Eagles” were struggling at the foot of the table with just one win to their credit. For “Moulton” this was a golden opportunity to record their first win of the season but in the event Newcastle won all four quarters although midway through the third period of play the county team did close the gap to just eight points at 43-51. They then allowed their opponents to go on a 17-zero run and to all intents and purposes it was ‘game over’.

For “Moulton” Jordan Nembhard top scored with 15 points. Merson Paul contributed 13 points and Jacob Holt scored 12 as well as pulling down the same number of rebounds.

 

“Wolves” too good for Junior Men

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Worcester   “Wolves”  90 – 59  Northants “Thunder”

The Northants “Thunder” junior men suffered a 31 points defeat when they travelled to Worcester “Wolves” last weekend. The “Thunder” cause wasn’t helped by late arrival at the venue because of traffic problems and by the end of the first period were trailing 21-8.

The Northants boys improved considerably in the second period of play with some good work from their guards Harry Neale, Fraser Campbell and Love Adesina but the team was unable to cope with the bigger “Wolves” players close to basket. The home side took the quarter 25-16 to lead 46-24 at half time.

Needing a solid defensive effort to get back into the game in the third quarter “Thunder” were disappointingly outscored 15-3 and to all intents and purposes that was game over. By now the Northants guards were being put under intense pressure by their opponents as “Wolves” took the period 28-14.

With the result of the game now decided “Thunder” could well have capitulated but they stuck too their task and actually won the final quarter 21-16 so losing the game 90-59. In the 31 points loss Harry Neale top scored with 20 points, Love Adesina providing good support with 15 points while Ben Sampson and Fraser Campbell never stopped hustling.

Coach Rob Eddon was disappointed by the fact that his team had been competitive two thirds of the game but had lost concentration for two substantial periods.

W/e 6th December 2009

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 74  IPSWICH TOMCATS 109

The third of a series of tough home games for their boys’ teams saw Southend Swifts under 18 side take on top of the table Ipswich Tomcats at Eastwood High School.  The Suffolk outfit are unbeaten in five games whist Southend have suffered two defeats following victories in their opening three matches. 

A sloppy start saw Swifts trail 14-3 after just four minutes and matters got worse as they found themselves 26-10 down and the match effectively over after just eight minutes.  Thulani Sibanda seemed the only player to show any passion and his three-point play helped slightly reduce the deficit to 30-17 at the end of the first quarter.

Tomcats displayed far greater desire in every aspect and they were scoring at will as the margin increased to 48-23   Sibanda was again the only player making any contribution and at half time the score stood at 62-31.

However, the second half would at least see a more spirited effort.  Wilfred Mutero and Oliver Crussell began to find the basket and the score line was at least kept within respectability as Ipswich led 86-52 with one stanza remaining.  The rate of scoring from both teams perhaps belied a lack of defensive intensity as Tomcats recorded a well-deserved victory by 109 points to 74.  

Sibanda 25 and Crussell 17 leading the scoring on a disappointing day.

“Moulton” show promise then fail again

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Moulton”`  55 - 81  Doncaster Danum “Eagles”

Midway through the third period of this North Premier Division game winless “Moulton” were leading 44-40. For twenty-five minutes they had displayed the commitment and technical ability that Coach John Collins has been looking for all season. At this stage in the game they missed a number of easy shots and committed several errors. Once again, in the face of pressure they totally collapsed and during the remaining 15 minutes were outscored 41-11.

The final winning margin for Doncaster was extremely flattering but once again the worrying factor for “Moulton” was the lack of control and leadership coming from their backcourt players.

In the 26 points loss Luke Griffiths top scored with 16 points including four three-pointers. Fenton Tinkler playing out of position contributed 10 invaluable points and battled hard on defence while Ben Budgen and Jacob Holt rebounded superbly.

Big second period helps Junior Men to a win

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Northants “Thunder”  77 – 60  Coventry “Crusaders”

The Northants “Thunder” junior men bounced back from the previous week’s lacklustre performance to see of Coventry “Crusaders”.

“Thunder” established a 25-18 lead in the first quarter thanks to some hard-nosed defensive work and the finishing of Love Adesina, Chris Bryan, and Harry Neale. Needing to build on their good start in the second quarter the county boys did just that extending their lead by the efficient use of trail plays on their break. This saw Chris Knight, Ben Sampson and Callum Woodhouse scoring with ease as “Thunder” opened up a 45-23 half time lead.

The third period of play saw the Northants boys become a little complacent as “Crusaders” took the quarter 18-12 but they never looked like closing the gap substantially during a scrappy closing quarter. During this time Fraser Campbell and Chris Knight hit three, three-pointers as “Thunder” closed out the game at 77-60.

In the 17 points win, Woodhouse and Bryan top scored with 14 and 13 points respectively; Knight contributed 10 points but Coach Rob Eddon was delighted by the fact that no less than nine of his players got on the score sheet.

W/e 29th November 2009

Junior Men find scoring difficult

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Northants “Thunder”  40 – 75  Mansfield “Giants”

After their encouraging performance the previous week the Northants “Thunder” junior men went into this Midland Conference game with high hopes despite missing several key players through injury. In the first quarter both team found it difficult to score the period ending up tied at 11 all.

The second period saw the teams exchanging baskets with “Giants” doing a good job of mixing up their defences while “Thunder” tried to counter with fast break offences. For no reason except for downright undisciplined play the Northants boys allowed Mansfield to go on a 12-zero run and take a 40-26 half time lead.

The third period was another dour low scoring affair which “Giants” just shaded 10-8. With the game still there for the taking “Thunder” reverted to the bad habits of the second period. They failed to score for fully five minutes and repeatedly took the ball into areas of the court where Mansfield could ‘trap’ and turn the ball over. “Thunder” were outscored 25-6 in that fourth quarter to give a final score line of 75-40 which in no way reflected the game.

For “Thunder”, Harry Neale led the scoring with 11 points but no other Northants players could get into double figures.

W/e 22nd November 2009

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

BADDOW EAGLES 95  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72

After the disappointing defeat of their under 16 side, it was the turn of Southend Swifts under 18s to look to get a victory at Baddow Eagles.  Both teams went into the fixture with three wins from four games played with Southend’s only loss by one point the previous week.

Good shooting early on by Oliver Crussell put Swifts 7-4 ahead but 10 straight for Baddow gave them the initiative.  An Alex Smith three-pointer started a 7-0 reply that tied the game up but the home side had the final four points to lead 18-14 at the end of the first quarter.

Eagles came out sharper but Crussell was in outstanding form and he had his teams first 13 points that kept the score at just 28-27.  The hosts again showed their resolve with a 10-3 stretch and they maintained the margin to lead 43-34 at the half time interval.

The first five minutes of the third quarter would see the crucial passage of play as Baddow went on a 16-6 run that blew the game open at 59-40.  Swifts offensive normal fluency simply deserted them as the home side effectively ended the match as a contest as they led 66-41 going into the final quarter.

Both sides simply treated themselves to a shooting spree in the 10 minutes recording 54 points between them.  Crussell scored four three-pointers on his way to a career high 44 points but it was never going to be enough as Swifts lost very disappointingly by 95 points to 72.

“Moulton junior men are annihilated

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Chester “Jets”  123 - 60 Northants “Moulton”

The Northants “Moulton” junior men made the long trip to Ellesmere Port and on the return journey had plenty of time to contemplate an embarrassing loss. In fact after the first ten minutes of play it looked as if the team might be entering the record books for all the wrong reasons. At that stage they trailed 49-19 with the rampant “Jets” looking likely to rack up a total in excess of 150.

“Moulton” were able to re-group to a certain extent and the introduction of Daniel Obasa into the “Moulton” line up and “Jets” playing some of their bench players had the effect of reducing the carnage. Even so the Northants boys were well beaten in the following three periods. For the most part it was men against boys with the Cheshire players physically and technically more mature than the “Moulton” boys.

Coach John Collins was philosophical in defeat, “So far this season some of our players have had a rude awakening and now realise what it’s like to play at the highest level. It’s now up to them to work hard ready for next season.”

One or two of the “Moulton” players did come out of the game with some credit. Obassa scored 16 points despite missing seven free throws. Ben Budgen and Jordan Nembhard battled hard for their 11 and 10 points hauls while Jacob Holt showed plenty of character defending against players several inches taller than him.  

 

Junior Men come up just short after superb effort

Junior Men’s Midland Conference

Leicester “Warriors”  70 - 54  Northants “Thunder”

With the knowledge that the Northants “Moulton” team had been knocked out of the National Cup by “Warriors” the “Thunder junior men made the short trip to Leicester with the expectation of a tough game. They were also handicapped by the absence of influential guard James Rutter. In the event the county boys put up a superb show and the final margin of defeat was rather flattering to the hosts.

Both teams found difficulty in scoring in the first quarter with “Warriors” just holding the advantage at 18-10. In the second period the home team’s aggressive man-to-man defence forced a number of turn overs and the Leicester outfit were able to go on a 12-zero run to extend their lead to 37-21 at half time.

“Warriors” went for the kill in the third quarter employing a trapping zone defence but “Thunder” coped admirably and scores from Fraser Campbell, Ben Sampson and Love Adesina got the deficit down to just 8 points. In fact it would have been much closer had “Thunder” been able to convert more efficiently from the free throw line. Gaining confidence from “Thunder’s” misses Leicester went on another spurt to lead 55-38 at the end of the quarter.

The two teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter and the final shoreline of 54-70 was a great credit to the efforts of the county Boys. For “Thunder” Campbell top scored with 14 points with Chris Bryan and Harry Neale supporting well with 8 points apiece.

W/e 15th November 2009

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 74  CAMBRIDGE CATS 75

So after the disappointment of their under 16 team, it was the turn of Southend Swifts under 18 boys team to look for victory when they entertained Cambridge Cats.  Southend went into the game unbeaten in their three matches whist Cambridge had one win from their three outings.

Swifts started well with Oliver Crussell scoring from all angles.  From 9-6 after six minutes, the home side dominated, with Crussell scoring all nine points as his team led 18-8 after the opening 10 minutes.

Southend maintained the double digit margin for the first three minutes before excellent shooting from Cambridge got them back into the game.  Eight straight for Wright made it 25-21 and despite another Crussell three-pointer the visitors were in the ascendancy although Swifts managed to hold on to a slender 36-33 half time lead.

A 10-2 run gave Cats their first advantage at 43-38 but Alex Smith came to the fore getting to the basket three times as part of 10-6 run that got it back to just one point and a Crussell foul shot tied it up at 48.  Six straight for Cambridge’s Pledger got his team ahead again but Southend had the final three and going into the final quarter, Cambridge led 55-52.

Wright again came to the fore with his team’s first seven points as they moved out to 62-56 but a Thulani Sibanda basket and another Crussell trey again reduced the deficit to just one.  A 6-2 stretch again gave Cambridge a narrow margin at 68-63 but seven straight for Swifts made it 70-68 with two minutes to play; Smith contributing five.  The teams traded two apiece before five in a row took Cambridge 75-72 ahead with one minute to go.  A long range shot failed to connect and although Smith found the basket his team could not recover possession and at the end of a pulsating contest Cambridge had won by 75 points to 74; Crussell with 28 and Smith 25 leading the scoring.

 

Junior Men attempt to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

Junior Men’s Midland Regional Conference

Northants “Thunder  63 – 49  Shropshire “Warriors”

Leading 38-17 at half time and having played some of their best basketball of the season the Northants “Thunder” junior men then totally switched off in the third quarter. “Thunder” were anxious to make up for their embarrassing loss the previous week and a combination of aggressive defence, well organised breaks and excellent perimeter shooting from Harry Neal gave them the substantial lead. The complacency that followed allowed their opponents to go on a 16-zero run and at 48-43 “Warriors” were back in the ball game.  

Stern words from Coach Rob Eddon during the break had the desired effect on his team and in the final ten minutes “Thunder” were back to something like their best as they won the period 17-6 to take the victory by 63 points to 49.

Top scorer for “Thunder” was James Rutter with 19 points, Craig Hampton and Neal giving good support with 10 points each while Chris Knight rebounded well and Love Adesina added intensity to the team’s defensive effort.

 

Disappointing “Moulton” go down again

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Moulton”  54 - 86  Stockport “Falcons”

The Northants “Moulton” junior men are still looking for their first win of the season after a 32 points defeat at the hands of a well organised Stockport “Falcons” side. The defeat was particularly disappointing for the “Moulton” team because the score over three periods was 56-49 in favour of “Falcons”. All “Moulton’s” problems came in the second quarter when they were outscored 30 points to 5.

During that disastrous ten minutes the “Moulton” players totally lost their organisation, and composure and several players were guilty of losing their focus and letting their heads go down. Their performance in this period earned them a severe roasting from Coach John Collins and in the second half they did show more composure and pride but it was a question of too little too late.

In the 32 points hammering Luke Griffiths top scored for “Moulton” with 15 points. Merson Paul contributed 11 points but none of their team mates could get into double figures while as a unit the team turned the ball over on 46 occasions and missed 12 lay ups.

 

W/e 8th November 2009

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE – EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 84  ESSEX PIRATES 57

After the success of the girls teams the previous day, it was the turn of the Southend Swifts under 18 and under 16 boys teams to continue the league action with both teams meeting Essex Pirates on their home court at Eastwood High School.  Southend had wins in both of their games so far whilst Pirates have had two narrow defeats in their three matches to date.

Swifts started well, taking a 9-4 lead after three minutes and five points from Wilfred Mutero helped his team to a 16-8 advantage.  The visitors hit back with an 8-0 run before a late Alex Smith basket gave the hosts a very narrow 18-16 first quarter lead.

The teams traded scores at the start of the second period with Southend showing some uncharacteristic reluctance to attack their opponent’s basket.  Some good three-point shooting from Pirates gave them the initiative and a late 6-2 spell took them to a 35-32 half time lead.

The margin remained at three before six straight for Swifts took them 43-39 ahead.  Pirates tied it up again at 45 before a sensational period of four minutes saw the home side put together a 17-5 run that broke the game open with all five players on court making telling contributions.

A Smith three-pointer kept up the momentum as Southend’s outstanding defence kept Essex to just three points in six minutes as the team safely negotiated the final quarter to record an excellent 85-57 win which had seen a 30 point turnaround in the second half,  Oliver Crussell with 20 points and Alex Smith on 17 leading the scoring.

 

Nightmare third period costs Moulton dear

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Sefton “Stars”  90 – 68  Northants “Moulton”

The Northants “Moulton Junior Men made the long trip to north Liverpool looking for their first win of the season against Sefton “Stars”. In the event they finished on the wrong end of a 90-68 score line and the margin of defeat could have been a lot more if it hadn’t been for a spirited effort in the fourth period.

Going into the final quarter “Moulton” were trailing 75-42 after a third quarter that had seen them score just six points. During that period of play “Moulton” had been totally outplayed and regrettably one or two of their players seemed to have lost appetite for the competition.

After their long journey “Moulton” made a lacklustre start to the game and they soon found themselves playing catch up. Sefton had showed themselves to be a well drilled team who were causing the “Moulton” defence a lot of problems with ‘back door’ moves. The county boys trailed 27-14 after the first quarter but hauled themselves back into the game at 34-30 thanks to the efforts of Jordan Nembhard and Merson Paul.

At half time “Stars” held a 53-36 advantage and “Moulton” were still in with a chance of winning the game. The disastrous third period put pay to those hopes but at least could look back on the lst six minutes of the game when they outscored their opponents 26-7 making the final margin a little ore respectable.

For “Moulton” Nembhard top scored with 19 points while Mat Usher contributed 10 points and rebounded well and Merson Paul and Khaled Mahdi both scored 8 points

 

Junior Men’s Midland Regional Conference

Leicester “Warriors”  93 - 35  Northants “Thunder”

Against an aggressive Leicester “Warriors” side well capable of competing in the Premier League the Northants “Thunder Junior Men came off second best in this Conference game

 

W/e 1st November 2009

Junior Men break their duck

Junior Men’s Midland Regional Conference

Northants “Thunder”  76 - 45  Ilkeston “Outlaws”

After several close losses the Northants “Thunder” Junior Men finally recorded their first win of the season against Ilkeston “Outlaws”. The win was based on “Thunder’s” relentless pressure defence which became more and more dominant as the game wore on.

The first quarter was tied 15 all and “Outlaws” edged ahead in the second forcing “Thunder” coach Rob Eddon to call a time out and have stern word with his players. The effect was spectacular as the Northants boys proceeded to outscore their opponents 16-0 to take a 37-27 half time lead. The charge had been based on the finishing of Chris Bryan and the perimeter shooting of James Rutter and Harry Neale when Ilkeston switched to a zone defence.

If “Outlaws” had any thoughts of a third period comeback they were well and truly put to rest by the increased intensity of the “Thunder” defensive effort. The visitors were now forcing up shots and the rebounding machine that is Ben Sampson was able to gather in the rebounds and launch break after break. When Ilkeston made a defensive adjustment Fraser Campbell was on hand to hit from the deep perimeter.

In that third quarter “Thunder” outscored their opponents 20-7 and to a all intents and purposes the game was as good as over. The Northants boys were guilty of taking their foot off the accelerator in the fourth period which they edged 19-11 to take the game 76-45.

In the team’s first win of the season the ever reliable James Rutter scored 21 points and he received excellent support from Bryan with 17 points and Neale with 14 with Callum Woodhouse chipping in with 11. A delighted Coach Eddon commented, “It’s good to see things we’ve practiced coming off in a game and now it’s down to the players to maintain our momentum.”

 

Disappointing “Moulton” lose again

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Moulton”  61 – 75  Derby “Trailblazers”

The Northants “Moulton” Junior Men are still looking for their first win of the season after this latest setback against Derby “Trailblazers”. The loss was particularly disappointing because they started the fourth period trailing by just three points at 52-49. By this time “Moulton” had established that Derby’s scoring options were almost totally based on three perimeter players Daykin, Fielding and Hallam. The “Moulton” players then proceeded to get their match-ups wrong and allow Derby easy scores. In addition the Northants players were guilty of some appalling execution on offence which saw them score a pathetic 12 points in the period.

“Moulton” went into the game with high hopes in the knowledge that the club’s Regional League team had run “Trailblazers” very close in a Cup game the pervious weekend. In the event “Moulton” were well below their best and once again were guilty of turning the ball over far too easily. Coach John Collins is also unhappy that there is no natural back court leader in the team which means their offence is uncontrolled and undisciplined.

Very few of the “Moulton” players came out of the game with very much credit. Exceptions were Matt usher who scored 16 points and pulled down 8 rebounds while Jacob Holt worked hard on defence and collected 8 rebounds as well.

 

BOYS UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE - EAST CONFERENCE

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 102  COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA FURY 50 

After a heavy first round National Cup defeat, Southend Swifts under 18 boys team were back in league action when they welcomed the College of East Anglia Fury to their home court at Eastwood High School.  Southend had a win in their only league game so far whilst Fury were seeking their first victory after two defeats. 

Swifts made an excellent start as they kept the visitors scoreless for the first five minutes whilst registering 12 for themselves; Alex Smith with two three-pointers out of eight points personal. The Kings Lynn side hit back with the next six but a 9-2 run for the hosts took them 21-6 ahead; Oliver Crussell contributing six.  Smith again found his range from distance and at the end of the first quarter Southend's lead was 26-10. 

There was no letup from the Essex side as two three-pointers from Crussell further extended the margin.  Thulani Sibanda was finding his way to the basket despite Fury's tight zone defence and with Wilfred Mutero directing operation, the lead had increased to 48-21 at the half time interval. 

A slightly more subdued third quarter saw the scoring spread between the three main players.  Sibanda helped himself to nine points as the gap extended to 68-30 with the final 10 minutes to play.  And in that time, the home side gave an excellent display of all-round basketball.  Sibanda had 11 of the first 13 points before 4 straight for Crussell made it 88-41 after six minutes.  The final minutes saw four three-pointers converted as the team ran out comfortable victors by 102 points to 50; Crussell leading the scoring with 28 points with Sibanda and Smith both on 27.

W/e 25th October 2009

UNDER 18 NATIONAL CUP - 1ST ROUND

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62  MILTON KEYNES LIONS 108 

So the final game of a very hectic club weekend saw Southend Swifts under 18 boys team take on Milton Keynes Lions in a first round National Cup tie at Eastwood High School.  Lions are in the South Premier division, one rung above Southend, so a very tough battle had to be expected. 

The visitors came out strongly, taking a 13-7 lead, but Swifts came back well and an Alex Smith basket and an Oliver Crussell three-pointer reduced the deficit to just one at 12-13.  Milton Keynes responded with eight straight and at the end of the first quarter they led 21-12. 

A barrage of three-pointers enforced their dominance and suddenly it was 33-12.  Alex Gilbert was the only Swifts who could score and he had eight points as his team reduced the margin to 21-39.  But an 8-2 spell got the Midland side back into dominance and at half time they led 47-23. 

The third period was very much free-flowing basketball as both teams looked to rack up the points.  Smith was leading the team by example but Lions greater experience enabled them to extend their lead and with one stanza remaining, they led 75-42.  The final 10 minutes was largely the same and for Swifts it was certainly a lesson in where they need to be aiming.  The 108-62 final margin may have been slightly flattering but Milton keynes fully deserved their victory.  For Swifts Smith on 22 points led the way but there will be more wins than losses for this team this season. 

Next weekend sees a slightly less hectic schedule.  On Saturday, the only team in action are the under 16 girls who travel to Suffolk to take on Ipswich 1.  On Sunday there are three home games for the boys teams with the under 14s meeting Westminster, the under 18s Kings Lynn and the under 16 boys London Spartans.  All matches are at Eastwood High School with the first stating at 11 am.  The senior women are in league action and their will again be up the M1 to take on Leicester Cannons.  

 

“Moulton” and “Thunder” dumped out of National Cup

Sure Shot Junior Men’s National Cup

Northants “Moulton”  59 - 82  Leicester “Warriors”

Less than 24 hours after their mauling at the hands of Manchester the shell-shocked Northants “Moulton” players were back on court for a National Cup 1st Round game against Regional Conference side Leicester “Warriors”. From the outset it was obvious that “Moulton” would have problems containing the physically superior Leicester side and so it proved in the first quarter which the “Warriors took 22-12.

“Moulton” were much more composed in the second period and led by ten points from Darius Innis took the quarter 22-19 to trail 34-41 at half time.

There had been little or no communication on defence in the first half and this was a point emphasised by Coach Mark Dunning during the half time interval. The third quarter was all about “Moulton’s” inability to play any kind of structured offence. During the period they could only muster 10 points and at 62-44 at the end of the quarter the game was as good as over as a contest.

“Moulton” continued to battle during the fourth period of play but the result was never in doubt as “Warriors” cruised to an 82-59 victory. For “Moulton” Innis top scored with 12 points a total matched by Jess Kelly while Merson Paul had 9 points and Matt Usher scored 8.

Derby “Trailblazers  70 -60  Northants “Thunder

The Northants “thunder” junior men made the short journey to Premier Division side Derby “Trailblazers” for this National Cup game and came preciously close to causing an upset. Less than 24 hours after their defeat at the hands of Birmingham “Mets” the county boys put up a superb performance which if replicated in Conference games will surely see them climb up the table.

The two teams traded baskets in the first period with “Trailblazers” edging ahead 19-6. They then went on a 13-zero run midway through the second quarter and this threatened to be the end of the “Thunder” challenge. The Northants boys urged on by Coach Rob Eddon responded magnificently and thanks to some excellent work on defence got the score back to 40-30 at half time.

Fatigue became a big factor in the third quarter and Derby was able to open up a 17 points lead. Once again “Thunder” responded to their coach’s demands with James Rutter creating scoring opportunities for Callum Woodhouse and by the end of the period had reduced the deficit to 12 points at 53-41.

In the final period of play the county boys were able to summon one last effort. Ben Sampson rebounded superbly at both ends of the court while time and time again Chris Bryan and Garnet Walters were able to get back on defence and thwart Derby attacks. “Thunder” got the deficit back to five with three minutes to play but by then the whole team was exhausted and Derby were able to close out an excellent game.

In a superb team effort Ben Sampson scored 14 points and pulled down no less than 18 rebounds. Other important contributions came from Woodhouse, Rutter and Walters all of whom scored in double figures. In addition Bryan, Woodhouse and Walters rebounded superbly and Rutter dished out 8 assists.

 

“Moulton” battered by the magic of Manchester

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Moulton”  54 - 110 Manchester “Magic”

The juggernaut that is the junior men of Manchester “Magic” arrived at the Northants Basketball Centre and departed two hours later having inflicted a heavy defeat on Northants “Moulton”. In all honesty “Moulton” were eventually outclassed in all departments of the game yet in the first quarter showed their full potential with some excellent attacking basketball which saw them trailing by just seven points at 27-20.

“Moulton’s” spirited first period performance spurred Manchester into action and they proceeded to dominate the second quarter outscoring the Northants team by 33 to 10. “Moulton” continued to struggle to score in the third and fourth quarters and defensively were often out-muscled by the physically superior Manchester players.

Despite the margin of defeat some of the “Moulton” players came out of the game with a great deal of credit. Jacob Nembhard scored 11 points and enjoyed his best game with his new club while Ben Budgen also scored 11 points and showed his ability as a spot up shooter. Matt Usher showed some neat offensive touches until he picked up an elbow injury while Jacob Holt hauled down an impressive 10 rebounds against players several inches taller than he was.

 

Junior Men just shaded by “Mets”

Junior Men’s Midland Regional Conference

Northants “Thunder”  69 - 76  Birmingham “Mets”

It was another case of so near yet so far for the Northants “Junior Men against Birmingham “Mets”. It wasn’t hard to pin-point the reasons for this defeat and it all started in the first period when “Thunder” caused the “Mets’” defence numerous problems resulting in the county boys going to the free throw line on no less than 13 occasions. In the event they could convert only five of them and at the end of the period only led 11-10 when the gap should have been a lot larger.

“Mets” opened the second quarter with a 7-zero charge but some good work from James Rutter and Craig Hampton hauled “Thunder” back into contention and half time their team only trailed by 27 points to 28.

The next reason for “Thunder’s” defeat was clearly seen in the second half when the Birmingham guard Mills literally ran riot. Even so the county boys were still only trailing by one point with 90 seconds of the period remaining. They then proceeded to hand the ball to their opponents and “Mets” went on a seven points charge to lead 53-46.

That gap was extended to 12 points early in the fourth but once again “Thunder” battled back but it was a case of too little too late as “Mets” closed out the game at 76-69.

For “Thunder” James Rutter gave his all with 17 points, Craig Hampton and Chris Bryan both contributed 12 points while Fraser Campbell hit three vital three-pointers in the third period and Ben Samson rebounded superbly

W/e 18th October 2009

UNDER 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH CONFERENCE
SOUTHEND SWIFTS 69  ESSEX LEOPARDS 51
After a tough sequence of matches for the club, it was up to Southend Swifts under 18 boys team to get the first win of the weekend when they played their opening game of the season at Eastwood High School.  Their opponents were Essex Leopards, who are generally very strong at this age level.

Southend started well, as three-pointers from Oliver Crussell and Wilfred Mutero were part of a 9-0 run and five straight for Alex Smith took the hosts 14-4 ahead.  Leopards hit back with 8 unanswered and there was nothing in it at the end of the first quarter with Swifts holding a 16-14 lead.
But the home side were determined to make their mark straight away and excellent shooting from Crussell and Smith put them 27-20 ahead.  Outstanding defence was keeping the visitors at bay and with Thulani Sibanda and Daniel Eagling also finding the basket a 12-2 run in the final four minutes gave Swifts a 40-26 lead at the half time interval.

There was no sign of complacency as the defensive intensity continued.  Smith, despite taking two nasty blows to the face, was controlling proceedings and with Crussell and Sibanda keeping the score board moving, the margin was maintained.  The visitors had four straight before Swifts ended the 3rd period with a 6-0 run to lead 58-39 going into the final stanza.

Another Crussell three-pointer, his fifth of the afternoon, took the lead over 20 and despite some poor foul shooting from Southend they remained in control to win a well fought game by 69 points to 51. 
Crussell 22, Smith 17 and Sibanda 12 leading the scoring.

 

Moulton lose again

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

City of Birmingham  92 - 48  Northants “Moulton”

The Northants “Moulton junior men slipped to their third consecutive defeat after a 44 points set back against City of Birmingham. Once again the team were guilty of turning the ball over too frequently against an athletic Birmingham team. On a more positive front one or two players showed an ability to play at the level required. One of these was Matt Usher who worked tirelessly throughout the game and ended with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

“Moulton “were without two of their bigger players Ben Budgen and Darius Innis and struggled even more when Jacob Holt left the game with five fouls late in the third quarter. This meant that Fenton Tinkler was forced to fill in as a ‘big man’ and he struggled manfully in this unaccustomed role.

“Moulton” were well beaten in all four periods of play but never gave up and with nine of their players still eligible to play for the team next season, this season will be very much a learning process. The learning process will continue next week when “Moulton “face the unbeaten Manchester “Magic”.

Junior Men’s Midland Regional Conference

City of Birmingham II  76 - 64  Northants “Thunder”

A Northants “Thunder” junior men’s team missing several key players because of school activities, slipped to their second defeat of the season in a game they knew they could have won. The teams battled virtually point for point through the first three periods of play and going into the last quarter “Thunder” were holding a one point lead at 47-46 and had caused problems to the C.O.B. defence by their powerful driving play and hard-nosed defence.

All this changed in the fourth quarter with C.O.B. going on a 17-3 run which a tired looking “Thunder” team just couldn’t claw back.

In the 12 point defeat Garnet Walters worked extremely hard for his 17 point haul. He was well supported by Callum Woodhouse with 10 points, Ben Sampson who scored 9 points and Allie McClure with 8 points.

Coach Rob Eddon was bitterly disappointed after being in contention for three quarters of the game. He commented, “This was another ‘could have been’ but I can’t criticise the efforts of my players although we do need to work on our fitness.”

W/e 11th October 2009

Another heavy defeat for Moulton Junior Men

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants “Moulton  61 – 82  Trafford

The Northants “Moulton” junior men slipped to their second successive defeat going down by 21 points to a young Trafford team. The defeat was particularly disappointing because at half time “Moulton” only trailed by seven points at 35-29. All this coming after “Moulton” had made an appalling start to the game going fully nine minutes before “Moulton” actually scored a field goal and trailing 17-7 at half time.

“Moulton’s” up tempo style of play began to have an effect in the second period which they took 22-18 to get themselves back into contention at half time. The team were then guilty of some shocking decision making at the start of the third quarter and in three disastrous minutes they were outscored 13-3 to put Trafford back in control.

“Moulton” had been guilty of some poor individual defence while on offence too many of their players had tried to take matters entirely into their own hands. Almost every attack lacked patience and when shots missed Trafford were able to run there fast break counter attacks almost uncontested. “Moulton” were able to stem the tide with some more disciplined defence but going into the final period of play they trailed 63-50.

Needing a good start to the final quarter “Moulton” once again found scoring difficult too often resorting to desperation shots. Trafford were able to extend their lead without ever really reaching a particular high standard of play.

For “Moulton” Luke Griffiths top scored with 12 points but no other player could get into double figures. Once again Coach John Collins defended his team, “We knew we would be underprepared and with a lot of new young players it’s going to take a long time for the team to really gel as a unit. Today one or two players were able to make a step forward and that is pleasing.”

W/e 4th October 2009

Tough start for club’s Junior Men’s teams

Both the Northants Basketball Club’s Junior Men’s teams were in action last weekend and both teams came off second best

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Sheffield “Sharks”  90 – 67  Northants “Moulton

The Northants “Moulton” junior men made the journey to the Springs Leisure Centre in Sheffield with a team containing no less than ten new players. Against a much more experienced team “Sharks” team the county boys were quite literally blown-away in the first seven minutes during which time Sheffield raced into a 27-6 lead. With several of the “Moulton” players looking overwhelmed by the situation “Sharks” had established a 37-15 lead by the end of the first quarter.

To their credit the Northants boys dug deep and refused to capitulate in the second period and with Luke Griffith connecting from the perimeter and Darius Innis battling hard round the paint “Moulton” actually won the quarter 20-13 to reduce the deficit to 50-35 at half time.

As Coach John Collins gave all his players an opportunity to show what they could do his team continued to make too many unforced errors but remained competitive in the third period which they only lost 29-22. Their improvement continued in the final quarter which was tied up at 11 all as “Moulton” closed on the wrong end of the 90-67 score line.

For Moulton Innis top scored with 17 points while Griffiths had 16 and Merson Paul gave good support with 11 points.

Collins was philosophical in defeat acknowledging that his team had a long way to go, “We are a very young team with players from a number of different programmes. It will take us time to gel and I am still assessing many of the players and what they can bring to the party. One thing I liked was the way the players stuck to their task after they had fallen 21 points behind.”

One thing that didn’t please Collins was the fact that his team had given the ball away on no less than 39 times.

Junior Men’s Midlands Conference

Notts Nova  87 - 77  Northants “Thunder”

The Northants “Thunder” junior men travelled to Nottingham for their first Regional Conference games of the season. They returned reflecting on an appalling start to the game which saw them drop 19-5 behind after the first five minutes of play. During this time “Thunder” looked lacklustre and nervous a situation not helped by the fact that recently a number of key players had quit the team.

Encouraging words from Coach Rob Eddon steadied the ship and with Fraser Campbell shooting well from the free throw line the county boys were able to stem the tide and the period closed on 27-13 in Novas favour.

The Northants defence looked extremely porous in the 2nd quarter and the Nottingham side were able to extend their lead to 22 points but “Thunder” responded positively in the 3rd which they won by 11 points. The Northants boys felt the game was there for the taking but the effort given in pulling the deficit back proved to be too much and Nova ran out winning thew game by 87 points to 77.

In the ten points defeat Fraser Campbell contributed 21 points while Ali McClure, Harry Neale, Ben Sampson and Matt Yates all scored in double figures