All images: Copyright 2006 Peter Horrell

Erkenwald ran the Sledgehammers close on Thursday night but the Brightlingsea based team finished the strongest to hold on for the win and take a one point advantage to the second leg on February 21st. The first quarter was a tight affair with neither side able to edge in front by more than 4. Steve Herd (6 points), Adrian Leclair and Dave Churches (both 4 points) started brightest for the home team while the Hammers response was led by Matthews and Ward (both 6 points) and Smith with 4.

The second quarter was as tight as the first however two of the visitors, Matthews and Barton, hit a trey apiece giving the visitors a two point advantage at the half. The quarter also saw returning Erk, Keith Pringle, open his account with 7 points while Denchfield and Leclair continued to find offensive success contributing 5 and 4 points in the period. By half time the score was a close 36 - 38 in favour of the Hammers.

The third quarter is often the key quarter for the Erks. All too frequently impressive first half performances have been undone by poor starts to the third period. Fortunately tonight this was not the case and a combination of disciplined and tough defence together with two treys from Robin French and another one from Mark Denchfield, Erks outscored the Hammers 17 - 12 to earn a 53 - 50 point advantage into the final ten minutes.

Into the fourth and two consecutive Erks treys increased the lead to 5 points however this was as far as the home team's advantage got. The momentum of the game swung dramatically back to the visitors after their player Ward (M) sprained his ankle resulting in a 4 - 5 minute break in play. Hammers' Barton was the man who responded and scored 12 points in the quarter to swing the lead back to the visitors. Erks on the other hand looked tired and long range shots that were previously falling started to miss. Keith Pringle (6 points), Adrian Leclair (4 points), Mark Denchfield (3 points) and Robin French (2 points) all registered in the quarter. Unfortunately it wasn't quite enough as the Hammers held on to take the win, 68 - 69.

Although the result was a loss, Erks can take a number of positives from the game. Firstly 5 Erks hit double figures. Secondly the addition of Keith Pringle alongside Adrian Leclair is definitely an exciting back court combination and thirdly, the Erks proved they are a worthy match for the Hammers although whether they would have held on without the injury break is debateable. Dave Churches and Adrian Leclair should also get a special mention for their outstanding defensive efforts although Dave's ran out in the fourth!

After the game, Coach McCusker recognised that the team had "run out of steam" at the end but was pleased generally with all the players' contributions.

Erks scorers:
Pringle 15, Leclair 14, Denchfield 13, French 10, Churches 10, Herd 6, McCusker, Atkinson, Overare