CT v Lapwings2 9/9/12

First Half:

In an exciting start to the match Sean won the tip for Cheadle and Sol took the ball down for a shot in the first few seconds, catching Lapwings out and promising a good match. But Lapwings took the rebound, quickly recovered, and only Harry was fast enough to catch up with #8 before she scored a few seconds later.

This set the trend for a difficult first half for CT. Though there was some good play from the lads, there just didn't seem to be enough of it in defence to stop #6 and #14 scoring or enough in attack to convert some good transitions into baskets. Too often both attack and defence were left to just one player, as if the team hadn't seen each other for weeks!

Nevertheless, it wasn't a complete walkover, CT had their share of possession. Best basket came early from Josh - a good drive into the key straight through Lapwings' defences and a simple, neat layup. Classical! Sean (x2) and Joe scored too.

Half-time score: Lapwings 25: 8 Cheadle

Second Half:

CT started in high style with an aggressive attack leaving Lapwings outrun and outwitted from the whistle. Sol took the throw-in; Sean took the ball up-court and made a good pass to Joe cross-court; Joe drove into the key and it was in the hoop a few seconds later. Whoa, Smartypants!

A great start, and the lads kept up the pressure. Cheadle missed a few rebounds (we miss you, Boomerang!) but some great work from Matt on interceptions gave Cheadle most of ball and most of the baskets. Joe, Sol(x2) and Tom took the score to 27:18 at 10 minutes: CT had added 10 points for Lapwings 2!

In the next 7 minutes Lapwings got back into the game with tiny #11 and enormous, blonde #14 making most of the play. Cheadle defence was slow to respond at first. Kudos to Tom for repeated tackles on #14, slowing down her score rate, but with 3 minutes to go Lapwings had re-established their lead at 39:24. Though Cheadle attacked well and kept possession the girls tightened up their defence and held onto their lead.

Final score: Lapwings 43: 26 Cheadle

Stats:

Points: Joe - 10; Josh - 6; Sol, Sean, Tom - 4 each.

Shots: Sean, Joe - 10 each; Sol, Josh - 5 each; Dan, Tom -3 each. (accuracy not guaranteed here!)

Couldn't keep track of Lapwings' scores but their most dangerous players were #14, #6 and #11.

Special Mentions:

Matt for some brilliant interception; Harry for speed in defence; Tom for taking on #14 - in one tussle she lifted him off his feet by the ball; very nasty.

BOOMERANG AWARD!

Josh, Joe and Sol tie with 6 rebounds each, but a lot of rebounds missed in this match. Everybody needs to be looking for the rebound (you know who you are!). Let's see a bit more contention for the award this week.

See you on Saturday,

Bob.