Wolverhampton Rhinos 2 69 – 36 Stoke Spitfires
National League 2nd Division North
The Rhinos’ came into this game unbeaten from their first three matches, playing a Spitfires team looking for their first win of the season.
Rhinos’ plans were slightly hampered before the match had begun as three of their usual starters did not start the game – one unable to play, and two stuck in traffic on their way to the venue.
This meant starts for an excited 13 year old Fran Ray, Matt Walters, and Piers Baynton.
It was a fairly even first period with Rhinos dominating inside through forwards Darren Peasley and Sally Wager, and Spitfires shooting well from the outside.
The away team gained the upper hand going 10 – 6 up but a basket from Peasley with a few seconds left in the quarter closed the gap to just two points.
With the latecomers having now arrived, Coach Foden introduced guard Tom Docherty and he immediately made an impact scoring two quick fast break lay-ups.
Just as it looked like Rhinos were settling into the game and taking some control, Spitfires hit back to level at 16 – 16 with three minutes to go in the 2nd quarter.
A time-out was called by the home side which spurred them on to a 12 – 2 run to lead 28 – 18 going into half-time.
Rhinos came out positive in the 3rd quarter and although the Spitfires had their best quarter of the game scoring eleven points, The Rhinos continued to increase their lead.
Spitfires showed moments when they matched up with their opposition but they couldn’t stop The Rhinos winning the period 19 – 11, for a 47 – 29 score line going into the final period.
The 4th quarter was dominated by the home side restricting The Spitfires to just seven points whilst adding twenty-two points themselves through some good defence and patient offence.
They produced a 14 – 0 scoring burst towards the end of the game which resulted in The Rhinos charging to a 69 – 36 victory.
Scorers: Rhinos: Marsh 21, Wager 18, Peasley 14, Docherty 8, Walters 8.
Spitfires: Flower 15, Batkin 11, Beaumont 8, Scott 2.
Rhinos travel north of the border to Clydebank on Saturday to play West of Scotland.
Share this article:
What are these?