September saw the beginning of the Winter Basketball season and a return to the court for TopSkips skip hire sponsored Withington Warriors. The Warriors arrived back with high hopes and two new signings for a pulsating start to their new season in the Amaechi Basketball Centre's Year 7-8 First Division.
Here's what happened in the opening two games of the season, report courtesy of Warriors Head Coach, James Quinn:
SEPT 19TH - ALDER ALL STARS 38 WARRIORS 34
"A slow start meant the Warriors trailed by 8 to nil, before they got into their stride. The final narrow margin of defeat shows how costly moving slow out of the blocks can be. The Warriors came back to lead several times in a magnificent contest but a late flurry from Alder saw them snatch a win. Overall though, a good strong performance that bodes well for the new campaign".
SEPT 26TH - WARRIORS 34 SALFORD VIKINGS 26
"Another staggered opening saw the Warriors concede two early baskets but then fight back in a real thriller which had a touch of controversy to spice things up. The match ebbed and flowed throughout with rarely any more than a single basket (two points) between the sides.
Then with just four minutes remaining and Warriors only two points ahead, Warriors' long-serving player and top scorer, Andrew Gill, was 'fouled out' (meaning 'sent off': in basketball, a player is 'fouled out' after being adjudged to have committed five fouls).
'the referees upheld the decision '
The controversy centred around the fact that he and James, his coach were not convinced he had actually reached a count of five fouls. In any event, the referees upheld the decision of the scorers and James, Warriors coach, called time out and rallied the team for one final effort.
To the enormous credit of the Warriors' players left on the court, they went on to dominate the final three minutes, register three more baskets and romp to a much deserved victory. So, a promising start - but if every game is going to be like the first two, James isn't sure he can take it. However, he's sure the players will".
Excellent commitment and belief from the Warriors and great coaching from James. We'll bring blog readers the latest on all the Warriors games and good luck to all team members!!
