The first quarter saw each team trade baskets with veteran guard Keith Pringle scoring ten and with a little help from superstar guard Mark Denchfield and forward Martin Overare. However only being behind by 3 points at the end of the first quarter coach McCusker saw that the defence from the Erks was soft and that Fire where getting unopposed shots one after the other and that if this continued a long night was in store for the visitors.

The second quarter began and, just as Coach McCusker had predicted - shots rained in from all angles as Brentwood caught 'Fire' and Erks strugged to find any offensive rhythm. Only Dave Churches (like a Russian Assassin came down with a unknown illness causing fits and foaming of the mouth) and Craig Pringle doing any real damage, where Merchant and in particular Faiers were causing the Erks weak defence all the trouble they could handle. The end of the half saw the Erks down by 14 points and their backs firmly against the wall.

The third quarter started with a rallying call from Coach McCusker to step up on defence and that would translate into offence. This worked as both guards Denchfield and Pringle shut their players down and collect a number of steals and turnovers. With the forwards Herd, Overare, C Pringle and (shakey) Church collecting rebound after rebound and Erks started to create some offence with Mark Denchfield, Keith Pringle, and Craig Pringle combining for 16 third quarter points and with Brentwood's history of close games things were looking better for the Erks.

The fourth quarter required more of the same form from the Erks. Brentwood looked rattled as if they knew a come from behind victory was on the cards for the visitors. Erks' defence looked good with steals and blocks leading to good offensive execution. The Brentwood Fire still had the lead with strong play from the dangermen Merchant, Turner, Fennell and Carter. Coach McCusker looked for a hero and up stepped rookie Craig Pringle who took full control of the offence with unstoppable inside play and a few 3 point daggers. Fire had no answer from the 'next' Pringle. Craig had 12 fourth quarter points and made one big play after another, demanding the ball from his uncle Keith who happily obliged. with a one point lead and seven seconds left Erks had to defend one last time. The ball went to Faiers who never looked comfortable taking a big shot and the resulting rebound was collected by Keith Pringle, who was fouled and made his 2 free throws giving the Erks a 3 point lead with 3 seconds remaining. Brentwood inbounded the ball but didn't come close and Erks remain undefeated 5-0 handing the Fire their 3rd loss of the season.

Brentwood Fire
Merchant-15, Daivson-3, Toole-2, Hunte-St-Rose-8, Faiers-11, Fennell-7, Barnard-0, Maspat-0, Palacio-0, Carter-8, Turner-14

Erkenwald
Denchfield-17, Atkinson-0, Overare-4, Herd-4, McCusker-0, K.Pringle-18, C.Pringle-20, Churches-8

Report posted: 29/11/06