The Erks played some of their best basketball this season for the rest of the quarter, the starting five players all contributing points. Despite carrying obvious injuries to his head, biceps, elbow, wrist, thigh, knee, ankle and finger judging by his bandages, supports and sweatbands Mark Denchfield played stifling defence on Tigers danger man Simon Taylor. Erks led 25-19 at the end of the 1st.

Unfortunately Erks couldn't continue their good form and the 2nd quarter turned into a scrappy affair with the Tigers clawing their way back into the game. However, thanks to eight quick points from veteran Lee Atkinson, Erks still led 39-34 at half time.

The second half continued to be a poor spectacle with Erks managing to keep a slender lead thanks to good defence from guard "Baby Broms" Gareth and Steve Herd crashing the boards.

Erks were three points in front with only seconds to go when Tigers danger man, Taylor, managed to free himself from his shackles for almost the first time in the game to hit a three pointer to level the match, but then one of his team-mates mysteriously decided to foul Dela under his own basket and send the Erks guard to the free throw line! Dela managed to hit one of his shots and, with only three seconds remaining, Tigers were unable to launch another attack.

The post match celebrations were held at Maldon's Twilight Zone pub where it was real ale and pheasant casserole all round for the jubilant Erks who now meet cup holders Brightlingsea Sledgehammers in the final on March 13th.

Erks scorers:
Church 19, Denchfield-Fowler 11, Lee 8, Herdy 8, Dela 5, JP 4, Gareth 4, Fun Ed 4

Report posted: 07/02/05