First of all, apologies for missing report on the last two games. Work has been getting in the way. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
Just a few (disorganised) words about the match on the 14th Jan.
This was never going to be an easy match against the best team in the league, and the final score at 68:6 shows the big difference in age and experience between the two teams. But we saw a lot of good play from Cheadle, with all the lads putting in some hard work and keeping the pace to the end.
There was some determined man-on-man defence throughout the game – not always a strong point for Cheadle. A great effort from Matt F in particular – he seemed to be all over the court this week, keeping up with the oppositions lightening transitions, getting up close and personal and foiling what could have been some easy baskets (and generally staying on your feet, Matt!). Harry was exceptionally quick up and down the court, while Tom and Dan were both hot at the face-to-face stuff too. Tom was also active on the rebounds, and in marking the dangerous #12..
Speaking of rebounds, we saw some great positional play by Matt A in this game (and the previous two in fact). This is the way the team has to go. Follow that Boomerang!
In attack, well, we all know who never stops trying, and is ready to get floored for the team doing it. Good hard drives by JCB Josh, as ever (hard luck on the penalties). Joe made two excellent baskets (the first a beautiful long shot), and the Super-Collider another, right out of the blue.
Pros and cons:
More players were more active at man-on-man, and this stopped a good few attacks. More please! It's not Rugby, you don't have to be a heavyweight to do it – as Matt A showed this week. Get outside your comfort zone and make them feel uncomfortable!
Often, though, a lack of positioning in defence let the attackers find good passes and make easy baskets. Cheadle need to concentrate on position, without backing off from confronting their opponents. And I suppose the same goes for attack as well – don't just leave the attack to the man with the ball, get ahead of him and get a good position. (This isn't a reason to let someone else do all the driving, by the way).
Overall though this was a good match to watch, much less one-sided than the score suggested. Cheadle looked like the new boys this week but they also looked as if they belonged in the Premier Division. We're getting there.
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