Hornets: 73

Warrington: 72

Please Santa can I have a 3 pointer on the buzzer to win the game by 1 point?

The local Derby between Holmes Chapel and Warrington is always hard fought and this was no exception, a tight match throughout went down to the very last shot. Tom Lee opened the scoring for the Hornets but baskets were hard to come by for both teams as the defences worked exceptionally hard. Baskets were traded and Sam Barnard showed that he could score rebounds, jump shots, free throws and a sublime drive to reverse. But the Hornets couldn’t shake free as the Vikings were scoring off well worked screens. An 8 point unanswered run from the Vikings saw them take a 4 point lead into Q2.

The Hornets burst out into Q2 and showed that they are a team of shooters, Sam Bithell, Danny Wareham, Tom and Andrew Rushton all hit 3 pointers in this quarter and Tush and Barney also profited inside. The Hornet defence put the brakes on the Vikings and a half time lead of 8 to the Hornets was established.

Two quick shots from Tom immediately took the lead to 13 points. But the ex Hornet, Steve Vaughan, was starting to hit shots and the gap started to close. Andy Sienkiewicz hit a superb fade away jump shot and Tush landed a couple of drives but Warrington fought back to cut the gap to 6 points. The Hornets were coasting and this was typified when Neil Hawkins found himself facing 5 defenders with all his team mates behind him. With no other options Neil calmly drove through the defence to plant a lay up. James Howard made a steal and was then fouled to enable him to land 2 from the line and this was followed by Danny doing exactly the same. The lead was 7 to the Hornets going into the last quarter.

The Hornets put out a team that was too short to match the Vikings and they immediately took advantage scoring 12 points before a hasty time out from the Hornets could redress the balance. Guy Johnson landed a well worked jump shot and quick shots from Sam and Barney brought the lead back to the Hornets but Warrington could scent victory and pulled level again. Nerves were sent jangling when Tush missed a brace form the line and first Guy and then James fouled out. Barney brought the lead back by calmly sinking two frees but Warrington did exactly the same at the other end. Tush landed a drive to take the lead with 90 seconds to play but Warrington held their nerve on the next two offences and worked the ball inside for 2 baskets to take a two point lead with 18 seconds to play.

Holmes Chapel knew they had to run down the clock before taking their shot - but so did Warrington and they defended well to stop a shot but with one second to go Sam Bithell launched a shot from well outside the 3 point line. Everyone held their breath and promises were made to Santa that we all would be good boys if only we could have this one present. The Hornet bench erupted as the ball swished and the buzzer went - Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas everyone.

Top Scorer: - Barney - 18 points

Best Player: - Tush was good in offence (as always) but his defence really caught the eye tonight and Barney was a tower under the boards at both ends.

Best Basket: - Has to be the buzzer beater 3 Pointer from Sam

Must Improve: - Silly fouls to give them far too many free shots.