Southend Saints 91
Erkenwald 92
Dave "Broms" Bromfield scored 5 from 6 free throws.
All Photos Copyright 2004 Peter Horrell
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Missing starters Jon Lee (a late withdrawal) and guard David Bromfield (lost en-route to the venue), meant the Erks had to change their Cup game plan. The Saints' swarming defence caused numerous Erks turnovers and as player/coach Dave Churches watched the door for Bromfield instead of his opposing player, the impressive Saints centre Lee Emptage took full advantage scoring 19 of their 29 first quarter haul.
Realising something had to change, Coach Churches reorganised the deflated Erks which allowed himself and John Powell to get some quality work done in the paint. Using their height and [considerable!] weight advantage against their young opponents, the visiting Erks clawed their way back into the game to end the half down by one, 45-46.
The missing Broms eventually found the court (where he has played at least 6 times and is actually just around the corner from his house) and immediately started contributing using his famous left handed drive to the hoop. On each occasion he would draw a foul and he ended the night scoring 5/6 free throws. Gareth Simms also found success using a backdoor move that netted 8 quick points and then helped John Bose shut down Saints' main 3 point threat Luke Jones.
With twenty seconds to go the tired Erks somehow found themselves one up with possession. Fortunately the Saints coach made the fatal mistake of not ordering his troops to foul, thereby letting Erks triumph and coast into the next round against Brentwood Fire.
Although now out of the Cup, Saints will be looking for revenge on Thursday 28th when they face Erks again in the MEBL at Sydney Russell. Tip off is 20:30.
Scorers:
Churches 36, Powell 21, Simms 14, Bromfield 7, Herd 6, Grewock 5, Smith 2, Bose 1, Meatloaf.
Report posted: 21/10/04
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