Sharks25 5373 92

Trafford 19 4460 86

The 1st leg of the battle for 2nd place in the Premier Division took place at the Amaechi Centre against a very impressive Trafford team (Magic U15s). Trafford have beaten everyone besides Manchester so far in the Premier North and could cause an upset if the Sharks weren’t careful. Particularly with 2 of the Sharks’ Starting 5 (Renny & Henryk) not present.

The game started brightly enough as the Sheffield pressure was too much for the young magic to handle giving the Sharks a lighting quick 6-0 advantage. Coach Graham Williams called for time to make some adjustments. The changes proved effective as within almost no time at all it was 6-6. Despite this, the visitors were able to execute the game plan offensively and some excellent cutting and passing led to lay-ups and close range shots. However, a lack of toughness/intensity defensively was keeping Trafford in the game.

More of the same in the 2nd period. Sheffield had little problem scoring but due to an inability of the Sharks defenders to keep their man in front of them, neither did Trafford. Furthermore, Trafford’s accurate outside shooters had all the time in the world as on several occasions there would be two Sharks watching them shoot instead of closing out and getting a hand up. Half-time: 53-44 Sharks.

The 3rd period saw the pattern of the game continue. Sheffield would maintain a lead of 10-15 points but not quite put the contest out of reach. More effective penetration & outside shooting from Trafford was keeping them from losing touch.

The inevitable spirited and tenacious fight-back would take place in the final stanza. Sheffield knew this would happen and should have been prepared. Their reaction was as if they expected a team from Manchester, playing at the ABC to lie down and take a loss! This, of course, did not happen and Trafford began to swarm over the court in an attempt to overturn the Sharks 16 point advantage early in the period. Poor passing, poor finishing around the basket and poor defensive rebounding allowed Trafford to claw their way back and take a 2 point lead. Crisis point for the Sharks and they would have to close the game without Josh (fouled out), Aidan (fouled out) and George (Disqualified). Finally, the boys began to play defence and big baskets from Quincy & Jonni, along with some clutch free-throw shooting secured the win.

At the risk of sounding repetitive, this was yet another inconsistent performance leading to a scrappy result from what should have been a 15-20 point victory had we been able to close the game out.

George Brownell: 24pts, 7 steals, 6rebs, 1 assist, 1 blk

Callum McKenzie: 21pts, 4 assists, 3 rebs, 2 steals

Josh Adams: 19pts, 8 rebs, 5 steals, 3 assists, 2 blks

Conor Faulkner: 16pts, 6 assists, 6 steals, 1 reb

Aidan Appleyard: 7pts, 4 assists, 3 rebs, 3 steals, 1 blk

Jonni Shepherd: 2 pts, 4 rebs, 1 assist

Quincy Kaka: 2 pts, 5 rebs, 1 assist

Sheu Matewe: 1pt, 2rebs

Zach Fenech

Nathan Suttle: DNP – Coach’s decision

Jack Donaldson: DNP – Coach’s decision

Trent Woodward: DNP – Coach’s decision