Rockets misfire as Pirates have lift-off
Published Date:
21 February 2008
Bognor Pirates enjoyed a narrow win over Reading Rockets, while their ladies team eased to victory over Southdowns.
Bognor Pirates 56
Reading Rockets 53
National League division four
Pirates went second in the table ahead of the team they beat in their latest outing.
In front of a record crowd at the Arena sports centre, the teams traded baskets in the first period.
Pirates forwards Andy Aung and Richard Lowe worked hard under the boards at both ends and secured nine points in the first five minutes.
On came Dan Funnell to add three more fast breaks, contributing to a 17-16 lead at the end of the first.
Rockets made it difficult for Pirates to get the ball inside in the second quarter, but coach-captain Paul Sparrowhawk picked up seven points.
Despite eight more points from the big men inside, Pirates were two down at the halfway mark.
After a good team talk, Bognor came out a new side, passing well, making good use of the shot clock and feeding the ball inside to Aung, Lowe, Matt Wakeling and Dan Shotton.
Pirates' guards put pressure out the front, denying Rockets chances to score and forcing turnovers.
Rockets scored only six points in the third to Pirates' 17.
It seemed Pirates had the game under control, but team fouls played a part for both teams in the last quarter.
Pirates were scoreless for three minutes, letting Reading close the gap to three points. The teams scored evenly but with the support of the crowd, Pirates battled on.
Rockets went to the free-throw line on numerous occasions but managed to score only half, leaving Pirates to hold on to a three-point advantage and secure second place.
The next home game is on Saturday, March 1, against Plymouth (7pm) at The Arena.
Scorers: Andy Aung 15, Richard Lowe 9,
Paul Sparrowhawk 9, Dan Funnell 8, Dan Shotton 8, Matt Wakeling 4, Chris Watson 2, Lee Barnes 1, Rob Stapely.
Bognor Amazons 54
Southdowns 22
Bognor Amazons beat Southdowns in their first game of 2008 in the Solent Ladies League Cup first round.
The ladies' team were close to being full-strength but the game started slowly.
Amazons' assistant coach/player Jo Lowe scored from outside the paint, and with Lydia Campbell scoring well from inside the paint.
Southdowns couldn't penetrate Amazons' good zone defence, managing only five points at the end of the quarter to Amazons' 15.
In the second period, Amazons changed their defence and that led to some great shots from Debz Wilson from outside and under the basket.
She scored ten points in the period leaving Amazons 27-11 up at half-time.
Trying different plays through the rest of the game, Amazons put on pressure which Southdowns couldn't handle.
Captain Sadie Tooley opened the fourth quarter for Amazons with a three-pointer and Amazons cruised through to the next round.
AMAZONS: Debz Wilson 14, Sadie Tooley 13, Lydia Campbell 11, Jo Lowe 10, Becca King 6.
The full article contains 508 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
-
Last Updated:
21 February 2008 9:39 AM
-
Source:
n/a
-
Location:
Chichester