Posted on March 19th, 2013

This week’s game saw rival side Blackburn Phoenix provide the challenge for Turbines recent winning form with just three games remaining in the league the Turbines needed a win to stay fourth ahead of inform Cougars, Jets and Phoenix themselves. The last time these teams met, back in November when West Craven would take the win against a young team, however, this game Phoenix were with more experienced players than the first meeting.

The Turbines started out well with the first two baskets from Dan Widdup and Pete Robinson however, Blackburn began to put their foot down with a time out being called at 11-4 down for the Turbines. It was at this point an extra player turned up expecting to play for the disorganised Blackburn Phoenix team seemingly unaware of the rules that prevent any player from entering the game after the tip-off if they haven’t been registered on the score sheet prior to the game he was not allowed to play.

Turbines started to shows signs of improvement on the offence with big forward Pete Marshall providing points from outside the three point line and inside  due to Blackburns lacklustre zone defence; also with Renko Ireton in shooting form Turbines began to gain momentum. However, Marshall found himself in foul trouble and had to take a rest and reserve him from anymore foul trouble. The Turbines entered the half with a 6pt lead 34-28.

With the Turbines being ahead they had the target to keep concentration on offence and work the ball around and look for open looks something they have struggled with this season when being in the lead. Young forward Rob Lonsdale would come on to score valuable points and get him on the score sheet through some quality offensive rebounds, however, Phoenix had then hit some shooting form and began to make a number of perimeter shots ending the 3^rd 56-51.

The game at this point became close as the fourth quarter showing signs of improvements at a defensive end for the Turbines, however, a number turnovers would force Blackburn to score on the break. Good passes from the guards into in form shooter Widdup also got him open to get points inside and put the pressure on Blackburn. Evenly matched at both ends the game came closer to Turbines favour as Blackburn had to finish the game with four men as one fouled out. Some quick assists from Ben Capps to Ireton and an excellent steal from Capps saw him hustle to keep the ball alive and score on the break, however, picking up his 5^th and final foul saw small forward Robinson saw him foul out in the final minute of the game. A lack of awareness form Phoenix allowed Ben Capps to calmly dribble the game out and take victory. Not for the first time a number of Blackburn Phoenix players demonstrated their continued unsporting behaviour with a number of players refusing to shake hands after the game

In what was a close game with Turbines coming out winners at 73-70. A good performance from Turbines but there is a lot to improve on as Turbines should have taken a much more comfortable win and taken advantage of shorthanded Blackburn. A win against Police should ensure fourth place in the league in what continues to be the most successful season in the clubs history.

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