First Half:
Though #0 (no-kit) made a quick basket for TVA in the first few seconds Cheadle began the match strongly, looking more mobile that their opponents with some good passing and stealing. Joe was working hard, but unlucky not to score. Harry looked aggressive in the key. TVA kept trying to make a fast transition and an easy basket but Cheadle players kept matching them for speed. Not always! #0 and #31 did break through at 5 minutes, but Sean made a quick basket a few seconds later and Cheadle recovered quickly.
At 10 minutes, leading by just 6:2, TVA finally realised that they were not going to have an easy ride. Using the simple tactic of passing the ball to their deadly #0 in high post they started racking up the score. CT defence responded slowly and clumsily. There were a few fouls here by CT, though, mercifully, #0 lacked accuracy at the free shots. After five disastrous minutes, and 20 extra points for the Aces, baskets from Matt A and Joe helped pull Cheadle back together again – only allowing a single penalty point from #0 before the whistle.
Half Time Score: TVA – 27, CT – 6
Second Half:
TVA made a strong start, with their taller players #0 and #31 taking easy shots from high post, and adding 19 points. Cheadle still found it hard to defend against this tactic, though there was some aggressive jostling for position in the key and points from Sean and Matt A.
After time-out at 10 minutes, CT came back to play a smarter defence until the end of the game, cutting down the blistering TVA score rate. Joe, who looked tireless in this match, did some great steals, and Matt A got physical in defence. The teams seemed well matched at this point, with no score from either side for almost 7 minutes. The game loosened up in the last 3 minutes, with scores from Joe (cool free shots!), #0,#31and a final basket from Sean a few seconds before the end.
Final score: TVA – 53, CT – 14
Stats:
CT: Sean – 6; Joe – 4; Matts A&F – 2 each.
TVA: (approx.) #0 – 30+; #31 – 9; #24,35 and 36 also scored
Pros and Cons:
Cheadle were mobile at the start of the game, aggressively intercepting and stealing, and getting at least as much of the ball as their opponents. Faced with this type of play TVA found it hard to organise their game.
When CT let the pace slacken TVA scored again and again, and pretty much by the same method every time. Given his height it was hard to stop #0 scoring when he was right next to the basket with the ball. But aggressive play form CT stopped his team-mates from getting the ball to him. TVA didn't seem to have many other tricks, so if CT had kept up that active aggression throughout the game we'd have seen a very different score. (I do appreciated I was sitting down, lads, and you had to do the running around!)
But looking back we lost 80:7 to this crew last November so we're heading in the right direction.
Special mentions:
Harry, and Matt F for some speedy pursuits down the court. Sol, we know you're fast too, try not to go through the wall next week, they may ask us to pay for the damage.
Tom, I'm still not sure whether barging smaller players around the key area is a legal move, or whether the officials just didn't notice. If you're sure it's legal why don't you try it on #0 next time.
And hard luck to Matt F that his final shot, flying when the whistle went, didn't quite make it. Try that again when the scores are level.
See you at the weekend.
Bob
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