Wednesday 7th December

Learning co. 25 v Eventure Hornets 34

The Learning co pushed Eventure Hornets all the way to the end as they closed out the game with 10-3 run to seal victory and remain in the division 3 title race. TLC were always in touch and actually lead at the half by 16-14. Hornets cam back in the 2nd half and opened up a 7 point lead before TLC made another surge to close within two. However Hornets had one more gear two baskets each for Sarah Gaudion and Tania Gibson ensured victory and an unbeaten record for last seasons knockout winners and league runners-up. Final score 34-25, MVP - Gemma Loveridge.

Richmond Grammar 41 v Collins Stewart III 50

Collins Stewart also maintained their unbeaten run in the league as they rallied back from a 12 point deficit to overcome a spirited Grammar side in a close fought contest. Grammar were quick out of the blocks as Kath Guille, Amy Wright and Emma Hicks all hit their shots to open up a first quarter lead of 16-4. Coach Jamie Roussel read the riot act to his players at the break and whatever he said seemed to have the desired effect as through the rebounding and fast breaking of Lorna Brown, CS clawed their way back into the game to level at the half 24-24. The game remained tight through the third with CS edging it by 3 to lead 36-33 with one quarter remaining. CS welcomed back Rochelle Vaudin to their ranks for this game and it was her 8 fourth quarter points that were the difference between the sides. Grammar struggled to find the basket regularly and as CS found their touch, they opened up a 9 point lead to take the honors by 50-41. Kath Guille top scored for Grammar with 14 backed up by Emma Hicjs with 10, while Lorna Brown lead all scorers with 19 assisted by Rochelle Vaudin with 14 for the victors.

Goldridge Estate Agents 62 v Brock Road 60

In the 2nd Division, Brock Road and Goldridge produced a nail biting finale in a rough and tumble encounter on Wednesday night. The first half was close with the lead changing hands on several occasions. Goldridge, lead by Chris Lamb were sloppy in possession but managed to keep things tight at the defensive end to lead at the half by 30-26. The third quarter belonged to Ricard Fletcher as he scored 12 points, all from behind the arc, to push his side ahead by 47-42 with just one quarter remaining. Fletcher continued the onslaught in the fourth adding another seven and with just 3 minutes remaining and Brock Road up 60-50, victory fro the oranges seemed assured. Goldridge failed to read the script though as they began the fight back and as Brock Road committed numerous fouls and turnovers, Goldridge were able to catch up from the charity stripe (4 from 5) whilst the clock was stopped. Lamb had a fine 4th quarter scoring 12 of his 31 point haul and it was through him and the composure of his team at the free throw line which gave them an unlikely victory by 62-60. Ricard Fletcher lead the Brock Road team with 25 backed up by Aaron Walden with 13.

Friday 9th December

Martel Dunn v Eventure Hornets

In division three a depleted Martel Dunn side were well beaten by Eventure Hornets, but it took them until midway through the 2nd quarter to get into their stride. The highlight of the first quarter was undoubtedly Elisha Gettings half way line buzzer beater which bought Martel Dunn to within 1 (17-18). The second quarter was decisive as Hornets increased their lead with a 12-2 run to lead at the half by 30-19. The third was all square at 8-8 but again in the fourth, the Hornets showed their experience as they put together a 12-4 run to close out the game and secure victory. Zola Bourgaize had an outstanding game with 18 points with Ali Keiller top scoring for Martel Dunn with 10. Coach Kerry Smyth was happy with the 50-31 victory but was disappointed with the netball orientated display that his side gave - something which he intends to address at future training sessions!

Dee-Caf Magics 36 v RGF 56

Dee-Caf and their traveling support lined up against table toppers RGF in a frenetic and exciting development league match up.RGF were quickly into their stride as they finished the fast break well to jump out to an early 20-2 lead. Dee-Caf struggled to find the basket but improved in the 2nd quarter to take the period by 14-11. RGF were back in control in the third and fourth quarter, again making the most of their lay-up opportunities whilst playing good team defence as they eventually won the game by 56-36. James Sinclair-Scott lead all scorers with 17pts for RGF, backed up by the lively Tom Creed with 14 and the ever-improving Sam Inder with 10. Todd Coquelin top scored for Dee-Caf with 14. The game opitimised youth basketball at its finest, with two relatively in-experienced sides showing the vast improvements they have made in half a season, playing basketball that was a pleasure to watch for the large vociferous crowd.

Collins Stewart II 64 v Collins Stewart I 81

Collins Stewart 1 got the better of its 2nd side with an 81-64 victory in Firday's division one clash. The game seemed to be heading for a whitewash towards the end of the 2nd quarter as CS 1 had opened up a substantial lead by 49-16. However CS 2 scored the final 5 points of the quarter and the first 6 points of the third to cut the lead but more importantly give their young side a much needed confidence boost. Dan Mariott in particular benefited as he went on a tear scoring 11 third quarter points in his total of 19. CS 2 had got back to within 15 at the start of the fourth but another burst from CS 1 opened up a 23 point lead and virtually sealed the victory. The final quarter was close but CS 1 eventually ran out winners by 81-64. Kerry Smyth top scored for Collins Stewart 1 backed up by Andy Maiden with 14 and Jeff Stuart and Adam Farish both with 13. Liam Smyth was the only other Collins Stewart player into double figures with 16 but there were noticeable performances from Under 17 island captain Chris Falla and Polish centre Nic Racynski.