Rolling Start For Crusaders

Coventry and Warwickshire Crusaders Wheelchair Basketball team have gotten them selves off to a rolling start to their new season, with 2 wins from 2 games.

The first coming as Crusaders travelled southwards on 14th September to Southampton to face Hampshire Harriers.

The Coventry club who last season finished mid table, fielded a strong eight for their season opener, with the debut of new player Neill Gardner and the return to fitness of young star Adam Crinage.

The first period started nervously with the score staying close with both teams equally eager to start well.

It was 6-7 to the Crusaders at the first break.

The Crusaders increased their defence in the second period that compensated for some very poor finishing.

The first game nerves were evident as easy chances were missed.

Some good outside shooting from guard Bri Tierney kept Crusaders ahead in the third allowing Crusaders a one point lead going into the final period 22-23.

An exciting finishing quarter saw the balance swing backwards and forwards in the final quarter as the home side applied pressure by way of their guard Western.

However, spurred on by Crusader's player coach Paul Claridge, the visitors had victory in sight and Harriers were soon overshadowed as Crusaders outscored their hosts 11 points to 8 and closed the game at 30-34.

Summarising after the game Coach Claridge said,

 

"It was a nervous first outing with some players blowing away the cobwebs ready for the season ahead.

Although it was a win it was an ordinary performance from a team which promises so much."

The Crusaders most valuable player for this game was Bri Tierney with some excellent outside shooting coupled with watertight defence.

Crusaders Scorers

Justin Gibson 2, Adam Crinage 4, Carl Leeth 4, Bri Tierney 4, Paul Claridge 20 points.