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U16NL Start the Season with a Win

U16NL Start the Season with a Win

Abingdon Eagles17 Sep 2018 - 19:46
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while U14s played hard in a pre-season friendly

It was a great start to the National League season for our U16 boys, with an impressive win against the Farnborough Phantoms first team, with the Eagles coming out 85-57 winners and now sit top of the league!

It was spirited play from the whole team who moved the ball well. It was a slow first quarter as the boys found their rhythm but they came out fighting in the 2nd quarter and from then on in the win was never in doubt.

Highlights included Sam Cheshire’s intensity and fast breaks, while Dillon Bose’s patience and efficient offence steadied the ship to keep the team playing “their” game. Sam Hart has returned this season with renewed vigour, controlling the game and scoring well. Joe Claringbould’s height and skill meant he was blocking like a demon, much to the frustration of the opposition. Ruben Collins was steadfast against the ‘big men’ and showed he had been practising over the Summer with some excellent left-hand finishing. And in defence, Asher Easton hustled and won some important balls. Final mention goes to our “new boy” Qassim Afzal who looked comfortable on the court and fitted well into the team.

A very satisfying performance all round and with the boys keen to learn and improve, it was a great start to our National League season.

Eagles U14 travelled to Winchester for a friendly to face the Royals who are in the Premier South division this season. It was an even start with Harry M doing a good job of containing the Winchester big man, who was their most dangerous asset. Winchester managed to pull away to lead 24-13 at the end of the first quarter.

With all players getting time on the court we continued to defend well with Oli C outstanding. Leo and Joe both came on to make a good impact and make life difficult for the Royals. Unfortunately we lost James with a knee injury (get well soon!) but we continued to play hard with Harry scoring 5 points late in the quarter. Royals lead 40-26 at half time.

Malachi started the 3rd quarter with a deep 3, but the Royals responded to go 16 points ahead. Eagles then got their offence going and this was the most encouraging part of the match, we passed the ball and shot well forcing the Royals into 2 time outs and tied the game at 49-49. Royals came out of the time out aggressively and edged ahead again 57-51.

The 4th period was tough with us getting a little sloppy when inbounding the ball. Leo hit a nice 3 pointer to round off the scoring as the final score was 79-60 to Winchester. MVP was Malachi - congratulations.

There was a lot to be encouraged by and areas to work on were highlighted as the 1st league game approaches.

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