Posted on March 3rd, 2013

The West Craven Turbines this week were set to play in what is always a tough encounter against a tall and strong Police team coming of the back of two successive 2 point defeats and not yet getting a win in 2013 they were looking to get back to winning ways. This was the first fixture between the two sides this season, without forwards Rob Lonsdale and Dan Widdup who was in street clothes rebounding could well have been a big issue with only guard Phil Smith and rookie Zak Boardman filling out the bench. In the past West Craven have always struggled to play Police due to their all round tall roster of players and rebounding ability accompanied by the Turbines previous lack of experience although this time Turbines were more confident with vast improvements made and Police had only recorded three wins this season so far despite their range of good players and hard efforts.

The Turbines started out the first quarter the dominant side as players Ben Capps, Renko Ireton, Pete Marshall and Pete Robinson all getting on the score sheet early doors their offence showed clears signs of improvement with Ireton running the point and distributing the ball for easy point and finally got Pete Marshall going who was red hot from the three point line going on an individual 11pt run with Capps and Ireton closing out scoring at the end of the 1^st qtr the turbines had managed to build a commanding 13pt lead 8-21.

The second quarter started in much the same way as the first quarter finished with the Turbines moving the ball well and getting all players in on the action. Turbines would still score on the break with some great transition play from guard Capps and small forward Robinson starting from the strong rebounding from the Turbines back line. With more some great rebounds from coming from Marshall and Dawson gave the Police something to worry about as several defensive and offensive boards were collected also with Robinson going coast to coast to earn an easy 2 points. West Craven enter half time with a 12pt lead in what was one of their best first half performances of the season.

Police went into the second half with the tactic to stop free scoring Marshall from scoring and put the pressure on Turbines from the 3 point line as Police guards brought the game back hitting 3 in what was already a low scoring quarter. The offence still succeeded on some occasions with a great array of distributions from point guard Ireton to forward Marshall. The third quarter also saw rookie Zak Boardman play some good minutes doing an excellent job on defence and learning some lessons throughout his playing time. As the Police clawed back into the game the 3^rd ended with West Cravens’ lead reduced to 6pts 38-44.

The fourth quarter saw Police bring back the game with great ambition again with a 3point assault throughout the quarter saw them continue to close the gap and take a 1pt lead mid way through the forth. It was then a case of trading baskets until the final minute when the Police took a 1pt lead with another three point shot. Only to be matched by Marshall at the other end of floor tying the game at 59 a piece much to the relief and anticipation of the Turbines fans. The game was now all square with 13 seconds to go. It was Turbines offence which saw Capps earn himself two free throws with just one second left on the clock needing to make only one to close out the game but despite his efforts Capps was unlucky not the put Turbines ahead but backing it up on defence Turbines were to go into overtime at 59-59 not for the first time this season.

Overtime showed both teams put the effort in to take the win. Police would start with well taken outside shots where the Turbines would look to their experienced players in Capps, Ireton and Marshall. Marshall would continue to put the pressure on Police big men to even though he was on the verge of fouling out. As often is the case in overtime it becomes about the team the can hold their nerve as Ireton and Marshall were ice cool at the free throw line scoring all six between them. Steals from Robinson and Capps also gave the Turbines enough to tip the game in their favour coming out worthy winners in a close and intense encounter. Final 67-72 (OT)

Turbines forward Marshall proved effective as not only did he manage to get 40 points the 2nd highest in club history but took care of the Police forwards (which Turbines have failed to do in the past) with countless blocks and boards. “A great team effort and playing smart by moving the ball again shows we can compete with anyone in this league if we can continue like this going into the Easter break when the cup group stages begin our targets should be set at the highest available.” Coach Ireton

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