City of Birmingham vs Sheffield Saints

Saturday November 5th

City of Birmingham 61 Junior Saints 108
 
With the Sheffield coaches demanding a continuation of the improved performance that the team has shown over the past few weeks Saints got off to a slow start against a big and athletic Birmingham team.
 
In the first quarter poor passing in transition, matched by equally poor decision making, meant that Saints were only able to end the period with a 24 – 18 lead. Changes to Saints defensive sets combined with different personnel on the floor meant that Saints began to exert their superior experience and skills in the second quarter, providing a half time score of 55 – 26 to Saints.
 
For the second half it was a matter of keeping up the intensity, capitalising on the many fast break opportunities and for the coaches to ensure that the entire bench got extended playing time. The players maintained the defensive intensity, leading to easy scores in transition and when they were required to play in the half court the ball was shared around leading to all 12 players getting on the score sheet.
 
There are tougher challenges ahead, however the team shows signs of improvement, which ought to mean they will be better able to face more experienced teams with confidence.
 
Leading scorers: C. McKenzie 17; G. Brownhill 14; S. Matewe 11; L. Darien Campbell 10; C. Deans 14