Posted on September 2nd, 2013

Spen Valley Vipers 2 vs. West Craven Turbines

West Craven Turbines stepped back on court for the first time since their over-time semi-final loss against Ribby Hall Jets faced a test as they got pre-season under way with a series of friendlies in the West Yorkshire area. The first friendly took them on the road against Spen Valley Vipers 2, a team that play their home games in Dewsbury. The Turbines roster has been over-hauled in the off-season from with only regulars B. Capps, P. Robinson and R. Ireton available from last year’s team. Two players that were familiar to playing in white and blue were big man O. Hylands and guard J. Coates. Throughout the summer Turbines looked to recruit a number of senior players of which three new players made they debut against the Vipers. Debutants Raul Gonzalez, Maciej (Magic) Furga and Sam Binney all were very keen to get some time on court.

The game started well for West Craven, as they didn’t show any signs of slack against the Vipers as they dominated the first quarter with all 5 starters Capps, Gonzalez, Hylands, Ireton and Robinson getting on the score sheet early on. The intensity of the defence was unmatched and the tempo of the game belonged to the visitors as they finished the first with a 18-5 lead.

The second quarter was much the same with Raul and Hylands dominating inside and consistently earning offensive rebounds. Furga began his first game with a well-implemented field goal, which gave the opponents even more to think about. The second quarter ended 31-9 to Turbines.

The second half saw the Vipers put their foot down as they stepped up their game and began to score on the break despite them losing that quarter 8-10 and losing a player through five personal fouls. The Turbines would use this quarter to play rookie S. Binney as he gained valuable playing time showing some good defensive plays. A light scoring third quarter saw Turbines up 41-17.

The final quarter was similar to that of the first as Turbines filled the score sheet with crucial points from Hylands and Gonzalez and a very remarkable three from Capps. Turbines lead out comfortable winners being able to rest Hylands for the final 4 minutes of the game finishing up 27-58.

A positive way to start preseason for Turbines as they allowed new players to get some good minutes before the 2013-2014 season starts at the end of September. The Turbines next travel to Halifax to take on Queensbury Hawks to play what should be an interesting game as last time the two sides met the Turbines took victory in a 3 point thriller back in 2006.

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