Chichester students are too hot for Hertfordshire

Confidence was high after a Bud Johnston-inspired 78-69 win over London MET twos and back-to-back National League wins that featured many of the university players.

For team captain Pride Nyathi, the match held particular importance as he was a former student and player for the opposition before transferring to Chichester.

Fired-up Chichester started strongly with player-coach Johnston scoring three triples in the first quarter. Dominique responded for Hertfordshire with three triples of his own as an entertaining stanza finished 19-15 to Chichester.

The second quarter saw Chichester take control through greater work-rate and intensity that Hertfordshire couldn’t cope with. Johnston and Hield dominated the scoring, contributing 24 of the 28 points scored as Chichester took a 47-26 lead into the half.

Freddie Jones opened up the third quarter with a three-pointer and with Johnston a constant perimeter threat and Hield dominating the boards offensively and defensively, Hertfordshire struggled to cut the lead.

With a comfortable 22-point lead heading into the fourth, Johnston rotated the squad and a good job done by the bench saw out the game for a commanding 76-59 victory to move Chichester top of the table after two games.

Hield top-scored with 28, followed by Johnston with 27.

Coach Johnston said: “It’s pleasing to see the team can make the step up to division 1A, and what’s more impressive is the strong start with two convincing wins.

“The addition of Adam Hield has proven to be successful for our style of play and the players from last year are taking the challenge by the horn.”

CHICHESTER: Coulter, Moss, White, Nyathi, Jones, Parsons, Shilley, Roach, Hield, Doxon, Hendon-John,

Johnston.