Rossendale Raptors II- 76
Holmes Chapel Hornets II – 43
Hornets took an under strength and under tall team to Rossendale but, despite losing, showed a fabulous team spirit and in places played some quality basketball that will be built on for the rest of the season.
Hornets only had 2 players over 6” tall and thought they were going to be in for a long night when the Raptors opened up with 2 “Alley Oop” Dunk Shots. But the Hornets structured their defence and steadily fought back. Rookies Kajetan Kowasz and Jack Reddock both hit mid range shots but the best was to come from veteran Gary “The Ghost” Masson who showed true quality to power in 2 short range shots. Hornets down 6 at the quarter.
Hornets lost their way in the second quarter making too many turnovers and allowing the Raptors to run their fast break drill. Hornets only managed to score 6 points and looked like they were in for a thrashing. Hornets down by 26 at Half time.
The spirit hadn’t been broken though and Hornet players kept encouraging their team mates. Gregg Pickard left his coaching role for a brief moment and landed a long 2, Chris Clegg powered through the middle to end at the Charity stripe, Danny Wareham landed a long 2, Keith Kilcommons went past two players to score and Jack was starting to find his range. Defence held strong and nothing emphasised the commitment of the team more than when 5’8” rookie Chris Sorensen out re-bounded their 6’8” Centre. Hornets now down by 27 but looking to take the game at the opposition.
Jack scored 3 quick baskets at the start of Q4 as the game opened up. Unfortunately the Raptors had their fast break operating perfectly and Hornets couldn’t close the gap. Chris C scored from a training ground move and Gary and Jack appeared to score each time they got the ball. Chris Sorensen scored off a fast break at the end and every Hornet player was clapped off the court by their colleagues.
Mention has to be made of the contribution of the referees tonight. Messer’s Hague and Sharp were exceptional in their quality and good humour and contributed fantastically to a good evening of basketball.
- Top scorer – Jack 12 points
- Played out of their skin – “The Ghost” – kept appearing from nowhere and landing brilliant baskets!
- Best Basket – “The Ghost” collects in the post and fires an unstoppable bank shot
- Must improve – got to stop the fast break against us.
