Monday 12 November 2001

"Knights" and "Lightning" win but "Lords" go down.

Last weekend saw two encouraging wins for the Northants "Knights" and "Lightning" over Ellesmere Port and Derby respectively. However, the "Lords" went down heavily to Derby and there were encouraging wins for the Under 13 girls in the England Central League

Derby Junior "Trailblazers" 61 - 101 Northants "Knights"

The gulf in talent and ability in the Western Conference of the Junior Men's National League was once again apparent last Saturday as the Northants "Knights" recorded a resounding victory over Derby "Trailblazers". The result of the game was never in doubt after the first few minutes and the "Knights" easily retained their unbeaten Conference record.

Leading 24-15 after the first quarter the "Knights" put the game out of reach of Derby with a 20 points to 8 blitz in the second period to lead 44 23 at half time.

The "Knights" went slightly off the ball in the third period but recovered their potency in the last ten minutes running in no less than 31 points to take the game by a margin of forty points.

For the "Knights" England international Carl Rowland was in irrepressible form scoring 22 personal points while Shannon Banks scored 20.

Eager for more action the team is now sidelined for the next two weekend's. They were due to play Leicester next Saturday but the BBL linked team has withdrawn from the league. The following weekend has been designated as a national teams training weekend so National League fixtures are suspended.

The Northants "Lords" were unable to make it a double for the county over their east Midland rivals. The "Lords" were well in contention during the first quarter trailing
just 18-21 after the first ten minutes but totally lost their way in the second period which they lost 35-12.

Trailing by twenty points 53-33 at half time the "Lords" needed a good start to the second half but the "Trailblazers" poured in ten unanswered points and the game was as good as over as a contest. To their credit the "Lords" were able to contain their opponents for the next seventeen minutes but the damage had already been done.

Looking down his scorers coach Brian Johnson would be alarmed to see just one of his players Nicky Marsahall, getting into double figures. He is faced with the situation where he doesn't have a 'go to' big scoring threat in his line up.

Like the "Knights" the "Lords" were due to play Leicester this coming weekend but will now be without a game for a fortnight.

Hot from their National Cup win over the holders Doncaster the "Lightning" found themselves in new territory against a very young Ellesmere Port side. After taking an early lead the county girls were made well aware of what they were up against as the Cheshire side's Jenny Leedham scored ten personal points from lightning quick drives and shots from the perimeter.

In an attempt to stop Leedham coach, Karen Goodrich gave several players the 'marking' job but when the young England guard wasn't scoring points she was drawing fouls at an alarming rate. For the "Lightning", Angelina Browne was a major threat close to basket while Andrea Wanstall was continuing in her rich vein of form.

Leading 22-20 after the first quarter the "Lightning" continued to be troubled by the speed of their opponents who edged into the lead early in the second half. By now the foul count was beginning to have an effect with both Wanstall and captain Amanda Swann on three fouls. In order to protect her players Goodrich switched to a 'trapping' zone defence and the effect was immediate. Ellesmere Port failed to score in the last three minutes of the period, while at the other end of the court two three pointers from Hayley Swann gave the "Lightning" a 45-37 half time lead.

As the third period progressed the Cheshire side began to find holes in the Northants' zone and the lead was reduced to just three points at 55-52. By now both teams were looking exhausted with the game being played at a frantic pace. The "Lightning were able to capitalise through Browne and Wanstall and when Lisa Hyland scored with a turn-around jump shot they had restored their eight point advantage at the end of the quarter.

This lead was extended to eleven points with three minutes of the game remaining as the Northants zone with Kanda Rogers playing a key part suppressed the Port's offensive effort. Then, both Wanstall and Amanda Swann 'fouled' out of the game and Ellesmere Port scented a chance of victory. They countered with an aggressive press which forced a number of Northants errors but the "Lightning" were able to hold out for a hard fought victory which takes them to the top of the Northern Conference having played more games than anyone else.

For the "Lightning" Andrea Wanstall scored 23 points, and Angelina Browne 21 but Coach Goodrich would have been alarmed by the statistic which showed no less than thirty five turn overs.

In their first games of the season the Northants Under 13 Girls picked up two wins in the ECL Tournament staged at Moulton Leisure Centre. Coaches, Stacey Shakespeare and Karen Goodrich pronounced themselves well pleased with the efforts of their side.

For further information contact:

Karen Goodrich (Administrator)
01604 238950
07702 263813

John Collins (Coaching Co-ordinator)
01604 238950
07801 533151