Our U16 Boys again came so close to recording another well-deserved victory, even though they had a very depleted squad. They were 30 to 24 down to the Albion at half time having turned in a disappointing first 20 minutes.

However, they then fought their way back into the game, winning the third quarter by one and eventually going ahead for the first time after four minutes of the fourth quarter.

In a very exciting last 6 minutes the lead changed repeatedly and no-one knew who was going to end up on top. Sadly in the end we just could not convert the chances that we had to win the game and we went down by two.

Ultimately what cost us the win was our desperate free throw shooting. We hit just 4 from 17 from the line. Eventually we have to realise how vital good line shooting is. Anyone can improve this aspect of their game by putting in practice in their own time.

Match Report To Follow!!!

Our Men’s A team are today celebrating a well deserved and massively important victory over Wolves CC last night (Monday 1st March), which takes them to the top of the West Midlands Premier League Table.

The Wolves are one of Coach Mark Harrison’s team’s closest rivals for this season’s West Midlands Premier Division Championship. They have been a perennial force in the Premier League for many years and are the only team to have beaten us this season.

Our guys went into last night’s game at Bilston College knowing that if they were to maintain their challenge for the title they would have to finally put an end to the long stretch of defeats they have had at the hands of their hosts in recent seasons.

They guys responded to that challenge in fine style, frustrating the Wolves offence with some tight man to man defence, scoring both on the break and with slick inside play, and crucially converting 27 of the 34 shots they had from the line during the course of the game.

Our key scorers on the night were guards Ash Cookson (24, including 15 of 18 from the line), and Josh Crutchley (20), and big men Mark West (20) and Simon Hoar (19).

Our home grown youngsters Ash, Josh and Simon all had great games. However, I am sure they would all agree that our joint MVPs on the night were Mark and the team’s often un-sung hero Brian Walker.

The contribution Mark and Brian have made to our season since their moves from the former Chase Panthers team in the Summer of 2009 has been enormous. Their vast experience has had a massive influence over our young players throughout the season and their cool heads were vital in this crucial game.

Mark’s contribution can statistically be seen in his 20 points. Brian’s three points (all free throws) show nothing. Like Mark he was terrific on defence all night and, again like Mark, his cool head was vital to our offensive success. Our Club appreciates how lucky we have been to have Brian and Mark with us this season.

WEST MIDLANDS PREMIER DIVISION TABLE

Match Report To Follow!!!