National League 1^st Division North

The second game of the double header saw Rhinos travel up the M6 to St Helens to play the Vikings.

Sally Wager was back for Rhinos after her illness, but Jon Pollock was missing for Vikings.

Rhinos took the initiative in the game from the first moment going 4 – 0 up within a minute.

They extended that to lead 9 – 0 in the third minute which is when Vikings got their first basket. Rhinos were able to get what they wanted on offence by being patient and moving the ball.

They went on a 10 – 0 run playing good team basketball which also included a third foul for Vikings’ Dan Highcock which saw him being replaced. Thomas scored the last basket of the quarter for the home team leaving the score at 19 – 4.

With Rhinos well in control, Coach Sinclair Thomas made substitutions at the start of the 2nd quarter.

The teams traded baskets for the first six minutes, and it wasn’t until the seventh minute that Vikings reached double figures, the score reading 25 – 11.

Forward Darren Peasley introduced himself into the game with three baskets on the trot as the game neared the end of the first half. Thomas again scored the last basket of the quarter for Vikings making the score 33 – 13 to Rhinos.

Rhinos continued to dominate at the start of the 3^rd quarter, stretching their lead to thirty-two points within five minutes of the restart.

Their transition basketball was leading to easy scoring opportunities for everyone on court.

It was in the sixth minute when Vikings scored their first points of the quarter through O’Connor. Three more baskets were scored by each team as Rhinos went into the last quarter 51 – 21 to the good.

The fourth quarter was a better one for Vikings as they used the pick and roll to good effect, along with some good outside shooting from Chris Greenhalgh.

Rhinos had increased their lead to thirty-two points again before Vikings finished the match the stronger scoring six unanswered points, winning the quarter 12 – 8.

The game ended 59 – 33 to Rhinos who stay amongst the leading teams at the top of the 1^st Division North table.

Scorers:

Rhinos: Munn 14, Peasley 12, Foden 8, Marsh 8, Byrne 5, Budd 4, Fosbrook 4, Wager 2, Crinage 2.

Vikings: Greenhalgh 8, Roberts 8, Thomas 8, O’Connor 4, Rainey 3, Highcock 2.

Rhinos’ next game is at home to Sharks on the 16^th February.