Microgaming Cavaliers
v Rams
This Men’s League match started at great pace with both sides missing early baskets, but Rams’ Joel Garmino gave his team an early lead with two three-point shots.
Cavs struggled in the opening minutes but strong play under the basket from Dave Minay kept the score level.
Rams found themselves in early foul trouble putting Cavs to the the free-throw line and securing much-needed points.
Cavs’ Tom Dalton-Brown showed great composure in creating the play with assistance from Paul Kilic who hustled on defence to create day light between the teams as Cavs took a 26-8 lead in the first quarter.
Rams came out fighting in the second and closed the gap to within 12 points, but Cavs’ Wayne Mears extended his side’s lead to 43-24 at half-time.
Rams’ Mark Directo kept pressure on with some great moves through the defence with Ian Bocala darting through the key hitting his shots.
Cavs, however, showed why they are current champions with some fluid play at both ends of the court with Minay hitting a three-point shot on the buzzer of the third to make it 68-30.
The margin was too great for Rams to get back and Cavs took the match 83-39. Player of the Match: Sean Doyle (Cavs).
Bruce Norton Turkeys
v Giants
A youthful Giants took to the court against an experienced Turkeys side with Svetlin Krastev and Dave Boyle working well to create some lovely offensive play.
Giants, however, are not a side to give in and battled for every ball and took every available shot.
Giants’ George Willoughby and Jake Hanlon ran their hearts out creating offensive plays but we’re unable to convert their efforts which Turkeys were quick to pounce on.
Quick to get back on defence, the Giants pushed Turkeys whose patience shone through as they took a 51-12 lead into half-time.
Richard Smith (Turkeys) had another strong game under the basket using his height to great effect, with Paul Ellison and Dominic Gribben also making it on to the scoresheet.
Andy Hopkinson (Giants) helped his team along with some good baskets, but Turkeys were too much for the Giants who are improving each week. Final score 88-29 to Turkeys. PoTM Svetlin Krastev (Turkeys)
Elder Healthcare Phillies v Celton Warriors
Phillies faced their first big test of the season and answered any questions about their readiness to challenge for the title with a brutal win over an under-strength Warriors.
A blistering first quarter saw Manny Dato and Olaf Kalwasinski prove too hot to contain and Phillies raced out to a big early lead.
Phillies, however, couldn’t keep up the pace and Chris Wolfendale found a little range from deep to make a dent in the lead.
Despite this turnovers again kept killing Warriors’ momentum as quickly as it built while Phillies were ruthlessly efficient with their scoring opportunities.
Clearly missing defensive lynchpin Steve Christian, Warriors let too many easy cuts to the basket result in cheap scores and while Wolfendale and Harry Brindle kept their scores ticking up slowly, Phillies always looked like they had extra gears to go to.
Their eyes now turn to Cavaliers this Thursday and on this form, it’s hard to pick against them. Final score 81-50 to Phillies.
PoTM Luke Geneza (Phillies).
IOM College v PokerStars
The Isle of Man College turned up with a full squad this week to take on PokerStars and came onto court in buoyant mood taking their opponents by surprise by hitting their first shots.
Fancy footwork from the College and several points took them ahead with PokerStars slow to start.
Dylon Coady was introduced on court and settled the PokerStars offence linking well with Norbert Bojte to put his side back on track.
With their extended squad, the College used their subs well and traded baskets with PokerStars making this a tight game.
Shortly before half-time, Coady and and Shawn McCurry stepped up their play at both ends and opened a lead of 10 points to the relief of coach Trudi Crellin.
The College produced some lovely offensive plays with one or two proving to be a handful using their pace to turn over the ball and convert the fast break.
Dennis Galsim (College) had a strong game under the basket cleaning up the rebounds, as did Egisto Pasquaze (PokerStars) claiming several baskets for his team.
By the fourth quarter, PokerStars found their game with McCurry working tirelessly in offence and Coady hitting the shots to take the final score to 71-49 in their side’s favour. PoTM Dylon Coady (PokerStars).
Paragon Legends v Buchannan and Pitts Slammers
Slammers stepped on court with determination after last week’s defeat and were hoping their Women’s League game against Legends wasn’t as close as their last encounter.
Andrea Craig opened the scoring for Legends and had a strong defensive game throughout, but Slammers were quick to silence as Sarah Gribben and Emma Callow hit their opening shots.
The first quarter was close with only four points separating them and the second was just as productive for Slammers as Anne Clarke and Gribben combined to give their side a 27-15 half-time lead.
Legends couldn’t hit a barn door in the third and failed to convert numerous chances, which delighted Slammers who took 10 points.
Melanie Gribben and Debbie Cooper restored some faith for Legends but couldn’t claw their way back enough to affect the match.
Slammers took round two with a 44-20 win. PoTM Emma Callow (Slammers).
Skanco Saints v Fellas
Saints welcomed back their coach and Jade Lambert to the team for this match against Fellas, who were in confident mood after their impressive win last week.
Gemma Kirkham, as in previous weeks, led Saints as they withheld the pressure from a Fellas team keen to prove they were title contenders.
Jessie Carridge and Lauren Ellison were the big hitters for Fellas, taking 30 points between them, while debutant Jess O’Connell assisted her team in offence.
Missing from last week’s game, Leanne Costa (Saints) returned and proved a valuable asset hitting 12 points and using her speed to chase long balls down the court.
By the fourth quarter Saints were within four points of Fellas and had their sights set on causing an upset with Dee McLoughlin and Aoife Giles taking some great baskets.
Seeing the potential from Saints, Fellas put their foot down to regain control with Amber Carridge finishing off with the final three baskets.
Fellas are still on course after taking the win 46-36. POTM Leanne Costa (Saints).