Crusaders
used their weekend off by engaging their long-term rivals, RAF Lakenheath Eagles to keep
their game fine-tuned.
The
two sides meet once or twice a year for a friendly – quite often in pre-season or
over the Christmas break to keep the Crusaders match fit, giving them opportunity to hone
their skills and try out offensive and defensive tactics.
When
it became evident that Crusaders scheduled game against Hackney would have to be
rearranged due to the London side playing in the National Cup Final against Worcester on
Saturday, the US Air Force men stepped into the gap for the Crusaders.
The
game was entertaining right from the beginning, with many quick baskets and steals
creating turnover after turnover for both sides.
Crusaders
maintained a lead during the first half, looking comfortable with their game and relaxed
as they did enough to stay ahead.
Lakenheath
didn’t seem able to quite match the firepower the Crusaders displayed even though
they didn’t lapse too far behind.
The
last quarter of the game, however, saw the intensity of the game stepped up a gear as the
airmen’s motivation for winning seemed to take over for them.
A
couple of the players became very aggressive in their attempts to regain possession of the
ball, and do something with it when they did get it, and their exuberance translated
itself to others on the team.
In
the final few minutes the Eagles managed to catch up to the Crusaders who were still
looking good, but not nearly as determined as their opponents.
When
in the dying seconds, Crusaders had a chance to go ahead by one, they missed the chance to
score at all and time expired leaving them two points short of victory.
Congratulations,
Lakenheath and a special message to Dwayne Burns and his fine coaching staff on the
victory they FINALLY had over the Crusaders, and for this report – especially typed
for their enjoyment!
