Posted on June 6th, 2013

After dispatching Hyndburn in the quarter-final of the Cup the Turbines knew that the next round opponents would be even tougher after finishing one place above Ribby Hall Jets in the league. West Cravens’ history against the Jets was not in their favour as they had lost three out of the four meetings over the season and Turbines roster also fell short with only six players able to make the game with Pete Marshall suffering from injury and young boys Dawson, Lonsdale and Boardman concentrating on their exams. However, a confident team lead by Oliver Hylands, Renko Ireton, Ben Capps, Dan Widdup and Pete Robinson with Phil Smith on the bench, would hope put aside the current history and progress to the final of the main Cup for the first time in the clubs history.

The game started with both teams looking for the opening basket as the offence and defence of both teams proved to be pretty even. However, a quick transition play from defence to offense saw Hylands assist Robinson on the fast break to open the scoring. The offense improved for the Turbines with Hylands free scoring from inside the danger zone and also hitting a number deep twos, forcing Jets to call a time out. The defence proved strong in the first quarter in all aspects of their zone defence taking a 4pt lead at the end of the first qtr 13-17

Turbines went out into the second quarter with the simple and executed game. Jets would increase their defence on free scoring Hylands, which gave Widdup, Ireton and Robinson plenty of space and time to knock down open jump shots. At this point the game looked to be in Turbines hands with them stretching out a commanding lead of 13pts at the half 25-37.

The plan was clear and simple for the Turbines to keep ahead and keep clear of the Jets scoring. However, a lack of closing out on the 3pt line which has plagued the team all season saw the Ribby Hall team come back with some well taken threes. A good effort from Smith to hustle for possession helped Turbines retain some time with offence. Also some good steals from Capps sent himself, Robinson and Smith to score on the fast break. However Jets would continue to pile on the pressure and score repeatedly from well-taken jump shots to close the gap to just 4 points.

The start of the final quarter began evenly as both teams stepped up the defence. Jets would begin to heavily guard the Turbines and aim to take Hylands out of the Turbines offensive options. Jets power forward Danny Boswell would prove a threat to the Turbines as he scored inside and provided points for the jets outside shooters. With 2 seconds to go in regulation the Turbines had the opportunity to win the game after calling a time-out. Capps’ inbound to Hylands in the key fell sort and a controversial foul was called on star player Hylands fouling him out of the game. Jets went on to miss their free throws sending the game to over-time at 64-64

Overtime proved to be tough for Turbines with key player Hylands out. Jets took advantage and began to penetrate the Turbines defence with many well driven attacks, coming out quicker notching up 5pts in the first minute and now with Turbines struggling to score the game began to slip away. A late technical from a Jets player gave Turbines a small boost towards the finish as the clock ran down. Ireton was to convert one and then Jets would come down to put Turbines in foul trouble. Turbines struggled to score in overtime with only three points. Final score 77-68 to the jets.

A disappointing result for Turbines as they was hoping to progress to the final considering they had a lead of 15 points at one stage. However, Turbines stepped there game up in this game and proved to be difficult for Jets, as they had beaten them in the league previously.

In a season that saw the Turbines jump from the bottom of the league to 3^rd place proved to be their most successful season ever and a huge leaning curve. A special mention should go out to Pete Robinson and Renko Ireton who were the only players to play in all 18 games. In all a good effort from all the players throughout the season and we look forward to 2013-2014 with already 2 new players coming into the team.

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