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Sharks vs Ipswich Tomcats

Final Fours - Final
Saturday 28th March
4.30 pm tip Off
RAF Cranwell

Sharks 18 24 15 10 67
Tomcats 30 8 13 25 76

There was some discussions before the game on how the Sharks could contain Ipswich’s American imports. However, although the speed of Josh provided a problem for the opposition, it was soon 11-6 to Ipswich with only 2 names on the scoresheet Josh and Robbie Maka from Ipswich so something hadn’t quite worked out. Other Ipswich players now grew in confidence and the Sharks found themselves 24-7 down with still only Josh on the scoresheet for the Sharks. At this point they started to dig deep and the rest of the quarter started to even out as the Sharks started playing as a winning team. This resulted in Connor Dixon, Marcus, George Naylor, Tyler and Marko all opening their accounts. However the early damage had been done and at 30-18 down maybe the Ipswich team were going to live up to the hype.

The second quarter started and quite simply it was one of the best basketball performances by any team witnessed this season. Although it was a team display it was a testament to the 3 pronged attack that has proved too much for any opposition this season. The Sharks took Ipswich to the cleaners. They overpowered, outplayed and demolished a class side. A 12 point deficit was turned into a 4 point lead at the end of the half. The crowd were hoarse, emotions were high and there was a sense that the Sharks could take the trophy! As the Ipswich team were taken away by their coach the Sharks team relaxed and took in the half-time entertainment. Basketball doesn’t get much better.

After half time Connor Dixon ably supported by Marcus and Daniel continued to take the game to Ipswich and again ran out victors in the quarter and the lead was stretched to 6 points. If the Sharks could hold on not only would they be champions but Connor was marching towards the MVP award with both baskets and rebounds.

It would be nice to stop the game here but unfortunately here’s the script: The Sharks had Connor Dixon, Josh and Marko on 4 fouls entering the last quarter. Also Marcus had been playing the day carrying an injury. So here’s the worst case scenario: All 3 payers get fouled off and Marcus gets injured (yes it happened!). Although the pack was shuffled and the team fought hard it was difficult without any height. As Ipswich clawed their way back into the game they still only 1 point down with 2 minutes on the clock. Then another couple of bizarre incidents. Marcus had shrugged of his injury and broke away unopposed and a travel was called. Then he stole the ball at the half way line and a foul was called. As the Sharks were in foul trouble then it led to free throws. Considering the wealth of basketball knowledge in the supporters’ camp no-one else saw these! You can’t point to incidents and say they lost the game because after all it is played over 40 minutes but with the game balanced on a knife edge this was harsh for the Sharks. It also gave the opposition a much needed fillip. The Sharks found themselves 3 points down with less than 30 seconds on the clock. A win or lose play saw the Sharks give away 3 baskets in these final seconds. This meant he winning margin for Ipswich somewhat flattered them.

Not to take anything away from Ipswich as they won, but from where I was sitting man for man the Sharks were the better side. They showed that they should be called the best team in the country but maybe that will have to wait another year. See you all at Cosford next year but this time we’ll be banging the drum. A great finale to the season and so nearly the team got their just deserves.

Squad and scorers

Connor Dixon (32), Marcus Welsh (16), Josh Edwards (13), Daniel Jenkinson (2), Tyler Gayle (2), George Naylor (1), Marko Backovic (1), Eddy Brownell, George Darling, Conor D’Souza Kelly, David Frost, Kenneth Nwose