|
Barking & Dagenham v Havering
|
May 25th, 2002
|
|
Words by Coach McCarthy.
|
The Youth Games squad of 25 had a good chance to put in their bid for a spot
in the final squad of 12 as they played a friendly fixture against Havering
at Sydney Russell on Tuesday night.
Havering who will feature in the youth games proved to be surprisingly tough
opposition with some very talented players having spent time under the
London Leopards Junior Programme. The first quarter was a fairly slow start
with both teams struggling to get the early basket but good unselfish
defensive play saw our boys take the early lead. For much of the first half
Havering were having problems with the defence intensity of B&D which
allowed us to break freely for easy lay-ups. With 20 seconds to go in the
half, some tired play by B&D resulting in unforced errors, saw our 12 point
lead cut down by half to 6 points.
The second half saw a very different Havering that came out aggressive,
hustling for every ball until they were back on level terms. Havering then
applied a full court press that had us in all sorts of trouble as we
repeatedly turned the ball over and gave them easy uncontested lay-ups. A
time-out from the coaching staff soon had the press break in place and we
were able to get the ball over the half, although now down by 8 points.
Again B&D stepped up defensive intensity and began to regain some rhythm on
the fast break with some sweet no look passes. A vital 3 point shot brought
B&D within 5 points with 5 minutes left on the clock. Both teams then drew a
stale mate until B&D took a time-out to change things around. A complete
change of personnel and change of defence had Havering in trouble as they
could not penetrate our zone. Their long shots were easily rebounded and
converted into easy fast break lay-ups as the fresh personal dug dip to take
a 1 point lead. With 10 seconds left Havering looked to take it to the wire
with a final shot that was ferociously blocked and then a hustle but to no
avail as the final whistle was blown.
B&D coaching staff were delighted with the performance as it was the first
victory for the borough Juniors in at least 2 years. With some important
key players still missing from the game it was an excellent team effort as
all 25 players contributed against very creditable opposition to earn a well
deserved victory.
Final Score: 49 - 48
B&D have one more friendly fixture away to a very good Enfield side this
Saturday before the games begin the following week. Watch this
space........!!!!
Coaches Quote: "Picking the final 12 is not going to be easy"
Posted: 01/07/02
|
|
|
Quick Poll |
| Who was the Erks MVP v Bristol Bombers on Sat. 9th March, 2002? |
|
Version 1.6 |
|
|
25.3%
22.8%
20.3%
13.9%
6.3%
6.3%
2.5%
1.3%
1.3%