The second half was to prove a different story as several Erks made a run at Atkinson's scoring crown. First up was Chims, who stroked a 3 off the front of the rim and the top of the backboard before swishing a shot from the corner and scoring a rare fast break lay-up to move to 11 points, just one behind Atkinson who was looking on anxiously from the bench. Young Alan Parker then made a strong challenge, demonstrating a shot selection that Shakey would have been proud of and a flat shot that even the great ex-Erks, Ware and current Colchester forward can't match. By launching the ball everytime it came near him, Alan moved to 10 points and with Chims and Lee now resting on the bench, he looked in pole position to claim the scoring honours.

However, he was to reckon without player-coach Dave Bromfield who had started picking up his man full court and was looking to run with every opportunity. In a devastating burst, Broms picked up 7 points in little over 30 seconds, utilising all his experience to drive to the basket and hang back just enough to pick up the and-1, then stealing the inbounds pass for a quick deuce and following up with a strip and a coast to coast lay-up. A shaken Lee Atkinson managed to enter the game briefly to pick up a couple of quick lay-ups, but it was clearly going to be touch and go. When Chims entered the game with 2 minutes remaining, the battle reached epic proportions, however an airball whilst spotting up for another 3 put paid to his challenge and Dela's late run, with 6 points in the final minute left Lee Atkinson as a worthy top scorer.

The Erks improve to 2-0 with the next game a rematch with Lakers in mid-November.

ERKS SCORERS:
Atkinson 16, Bromfield 15, Parker 14, Williams 11, Sargent 10, Horrell 10, Agbolegbe 8, Lee 4

Report posted: 27/10/01