Hornets: 67

Canute 2: 57

Hornets come from behind to steal victory.

Canute2 are a strong team this year with the addition of Brian Ross to their ranks and this victory by the Hornets will prove critical in the chase for play off places at the end of the season.

Q1 started brightly for the Hornets with John Whelan starting with a jump shot and then a steal for a basket close in. The Iceman was to remain hot all night with easily his best performance of the season to date.Tom Lee started showing his shooting skills and Sam Barnard showed that even 6′9″ Centres can shoot too. But the Hornets failed to score in the last 3 minutes with a string of missed shots and turnover ball to leave Canute2 up by 6 points.

John again lead the charge into the second quarter and now Andy Rushton and Andy Sienkiewicz joined in to pile pressure on Canute2. Canute responded with fine outside shooting and driving off screens. Kris Wood hit a fade away jump shot and Tom hit a 3 pointer. Sam Bithell found his rang and the Hornets took the lead and managed to hold it to half time - finally going into the break 1 point up.

Q3 was dominated by both defences to start with neither team scoring for 3 minutes and it was closing in on the 5th minute before Neil Hawkins opened the Hornet second half with a very calm 3 pointer. Sam Bithell limped out of the game with a twisted ankle with the scored all level. John and Tush now found gaps in the defence but a late fast break saw Canute go into Q4 1 point ahead.

Q4 belonged to the Hornets though scoring 26 points against a tiring Canute team. Tush and Barney were unstoppable close in and the Hornet defence stepped up two notches to make Canute really earn any points. With just over two minutes to go Canute called a time out when they were 6 points down. Nobody expected a full press from Kris and John though. John stole the ball and fed to Kris for a ring high finish. Fittingly it was John who wrapped up the scoring and sealed the victory.

Top Scorer: - Tush - 18 points

Best Player: - Tush - dominated in the second half to score baskets at vital times and 100% from the free throw line. John Whelan never say die attitude, Steals, assists and great calmness when shooting.

Best Basket: - Triangle of passes between John, Tush and Guy leaves Guy free to calmly sink a jump shot.

Must Improve: - Transition from defence to offence - very sluggish.