Report from the U14 Lilleshall Tournament 2009

Note; The format of the tournament is that the 10 players from each team are split into two 5s, they then play four alternate 3 minute quarters and these 5 players cannot be substituted. This is the end of the first half. The second half is one 12 minute spell where subs etc are allowed

Game 1: vs West Midlands Win: 44-27

As there was no guide as yet to who were the strong teams in the Yorkshire pool the game would be an interesting yardstick. There wasn’t a great deal of threat from the West Midlands and the Yorkshire team gradually pulled away in the first half. This was further consolidated in the second half as Yorkshire eased to a 44-27 victory.

Marko was the top scorer closely followed by Peter and Ben, notable contributions from Daniel, Derek and Marcus.

Game 2: vs North West Loss 22-48

By now it had been noted that the North West had beaten the East. The East were the winners of a pre tournament warm up and so Yorkshire knew it would be tough. However the team played really strongly in the first half and even the NW supporters were getting worried by the resilience that the Yorkshire team were showing.

The second half was a different story. It was noted by the supporters that basic basketball errors were made, it seemed not as though the NW had gained a victory but more that Yorkshire had given them the game.

Top Scorers Daniel, Brandon and Eddie

Game 3; vs East Loss 40-51

Some of the Yorkshire team had encountered some of the East players in last season’s final 4s final. Yorkshire seemed to still be shaking off the NW hangover as the East got a foothold in the game during the first half.

Then Yorkshire’s weekend took off. They outplayed the East in the second half and started to show great team work and commitment. It was left too late to gain a victory but everyone seemed in good spirits at the end.

Top scorer Marcus followed by Daniel and George.

Game 4: vs South East Loss 39-45

The tournament was so close that if Yorkshire won this tie it would have put three teams all on the same number of points with an outside chance of Yorkshire entering the third/fourth place play offs. After their comeback against the East there was quite an air of expectation. No-one was disappointed. It was an end to end game with the result not clear until the last seconds. Unfortunately this was when the South East got three quick baskets that flattered the scoreline in their favour. Hard luck, but a great effort from Yorkshire.

Joint top scorers Daniel and Marko followed by Peter with notable scores from Jack and George.

7th and 8th Play off vs East Midlands Win 43-39

This was a game where again the Yorkshire game plan paid dividends. It was one where the “big men” Marko and Ben were fully utilised getting the baskets. Although the East Midlands kept pegging Yorkshire back the team dug deep and kept ahead.

A great way to end the tournament even though the position could have been higher.

Leading scorers Marko and Ben ably supported by Daniel, Brandon and Marcus.

Team and total scores for the Tournament (unofficial)

4- Eddie Brownell (6)
5- Jack Haining (5)
6- George Darling (13)
7- Daniel Evans (31)
8- Derek Vanderwesthuizen (7)
9- Brandon Weh (10)
10- Marcus Welsh (25)
11- Peter Dobbs (17)
12- Ben Fripp (29)
14- Marko Backovic (45)