The right result?

Sharks vs Newcastle Eagles

Home: Springs, 21st November 2009

Tip off; 1.15pm

Sharks 19 25 18 12 74

Eagles 10 5 8 15 38

After a bit of a stuttering start to the season against Leeds the Sharks had progressively got better with an excellent display against Gateshead the week before. Seeing as Gateshead had previously beaten Newcastle then the fans were expecting and extravaganza of a game for their first home match at Springs.

As Kenneth won the tip the Sharks were straight on the scoresheet with Daniel getting the basket. Newcastle hit back though to equal the scores. Josh, Kenneth and ConnorD were soon making their contributions known but again Newcastle were keeping themselves in the game. There were a few stoppages for discussions with coaches and officials and this seemed to add the lack of flow to the Sharks game. Marko and George got their name on the sheet but the Sharks were not dominating the game as expected. Newcastle were not trying to penetrate the Sharks defence but firing from afar but this was quite successful. A free throw from Marcus ended the quarter with a 9 point lead. Not quite what had been expected but at least they were in front.

The second quarter was the best for the Sharks. ConnorD and Josh started to click and supported by Marcus they moved the game away from Newcastle. The teamwork looked a lot better and Daniel and ConorS were also on the scoresheet. There still were still alot of missed lay ups and a lot of baskets were not dropping but even so, playing below par they took a 29 point lead into the locker-room at half time. Some of the discussions that took place amongst supporters were about great teams managing to win, even when not at their best and this was a good example of that.

The team was rotated well in the third quarter with Tyler and Eddy now starting to make a mark on the game and being rewarded by a basket apiece. With Kenneth and Marko on the court David was encouraged to go for the 3 pointers. Lots of effort but unfortunately no reward this time. We also saw Michael putting in his normal unselfish hard work to support the forwards. Again not a great performance but winning the quarter by 10 points.

The last quarter belongs to Newcastle. Having a long journey and with the odds against them getting a victory in Sheffield they never gave up. They took the game to the Sharks in the last quarter and their number 7 in particular found his feet and added to the bemusement of the Sharks. It is the first quarter defeat for the Sharks this season which in a way tells the story of the afternoon.

So a victory, but luckily as the Sharks are so far in front of most teams they can play below par and still win comfortably. Newcastle gave their all and gave the Sharks their closest match of the season so far. Some were wondering whether they give themselves too much pressure at home matches or whether it was just an off day. With one home match and one away match this side of Christmas it will be interesting to compare performances.

But still: well done to all the team. With only 4 other teams in this league this year they have now played everyone and have shown they should win all their matches as long as they don’t choose to self destruct. For those that playing in the North West next week during the season break, we hope you play well and enjoy it.

Team and scorers

Josh Edwards (16), Marko Backovic (14), Connor Dixon (14), Daniel Jenkinson (8), Marcus Welsh (5), Conor D’Souza Kelly (5), Kenneth Nwose (4), Eddy Brownell (2) , George Naylor (2),Tyler Gayle (2), Michael Carnall , David Frost