Reading Rockets (36) 76

Crusaders (21) 39

The second game for Crusaders on the weekend was against Reading Rockets who would be a much bigger challenge.  

Last season’s champions have been one of the top club teams in the country for a few years and are looking strong again this season.  

The Crusaders started out very poor in their ball handing and shoot from the outside, playing a step behind on defence, and shooting the ball short on offence. 

In the 1^st period they struggled to make five shots and were already down 10-20. The second quarter did nothing to improve Coventry’s chances of a comeback, as they continued their self-destruction with another miserly 11 points before half time, 21-36. 

Williams for Reading was on fire, on the other hand, making 15 of his 18 points in the first half and scoring almost half of his team’s points single-handed. 

In the second half it appeared the Crusaders were determined to continue their dismal first half performance.  Balls missed their intended receivers, shots went amiss, and a new record of poor shooting was on display with only 8 points scored in the 3^rd and 10 in the 4^th  totalling 39 points after 40 minutes of play.  

Reading could have won with their eyes closed on this occasion – Crusaders played so poorly, and Rockets took it away 39-76. 

Coach Dip Donaldson was at a lost for what to do next.

 “ I try just about everything you can do as a coach during the game, but nothing worked.  Some of the guys need to take a long look in the mirror, be honest with themselves, and admit they are not getting the job done.  

 

As a coach I take charge of the directions and right now we are not firing on all cylinders. Reading is a well-coached team that moves the ball well and make shoots. Maybe we can learn a thing or two if we open our eyes a bit more to understand how you play in this league,” said Donaldson. 

The Crusaders are still in the process of signing another USA player; but Coach Donaldson said it is all about getting the money for the contract together. 

“We need another player or two to give us a lift, but the players we have still need to play better, we are not playing up to the level I except. I except more than what I am getting,” said Donaldson. 

The Crusaders now hit the road Saturday against last season’s league champions Worthing.

Taunton Tigers, who were to play Crusaders on Sunday 3pm at the Coventry Sports Centre, have conceded their third round National Cup game, due to their team being plagued with injuries. 

CRUSADERS HOME GAME THIS SUNDAY IS THEREFORE CANCELLED. 

Crusaders Scorers: Hall 2, Spare 2, Donaldson 2, Oatman 6, Twierdzinski 7, Baynes Clarke 7, Neely 13 

Rockets Scorers: Cook 2, Pedermadsen 5, Kelly 7, Wellings 12, Humphreys 12, Williams 18, Watts 20.