[17 JAN 04] CRUSADER NEWS

Coventry Crusaders 57 Hampshire Harriers 26

Crusader's Boosted For Win

Coventry Crusaders 57 - Hampshire Harriers 26

Coventry and Warwickshire Crusaders wheelchair team responded well to their single point loss to Stratford Players just before Christmas, by starting off 2004 with an impressive win over the Hampshire Harriers.

Crusaders starting five were boosted with the return of Paul Claridge back from injury and the arrival Sho Ayub making his debut for the Crusaders.

Justin Gibson stepped up into the opening line up, replacing Crusaders influential veteran Carl Leeth who due to a shoulder injury would come in off the bench later in the game, but who still managed to produce 6 very useful points.

Taking control from the onset, Crusaders were quick to apply the pressure, and having identified Western as their biggest threat Crusaders quickly closed down the Harrier's danger man, enabling both Gibson and Ayub to score freely for the home side.

With sound tactics and good shot selection Crusaders had pushed ahead and into a 10 - 6 lead by the close of the first quarter.

Having added such depth to their side this season, Crusaders were afforded the luxury of being able to rotate 10 quality players and as Crusaders continued to pile on the pressure, the cracks in the Harriers attack began to show and their defences were worn down as Crusaders continued to score freely through Claridge and Ayub, now joined by both Nick King and Adam Crinage.

Coach Claridge later named his debutant as his "Most Valuable Player" Claridge felt that Ayub,

"Put in a dazzling performance in this his first game for Crusaders".

Such was the dominance of the Crusader defence during this second period, that Harriers who had given Crusaders such a close and hard fought game in Crusaders opening fixture of this season, were now restricted into producing just 4 points.

With the score standing at 28-10 going into the interval, the game was effectively over by half time, enabling the Coventry team to change playing line ups and execute new moves.

Carl Leeth came into the game in the last quarter and despite injury quickly got him self onto the score sheet

Leeth has become a stalwart for Crusaders since making his debut for the team back in 1996. The 29 year old forward who this season holds a shooting average of 11.57 points per game with a seasons high of 24 points never fails to give less than 100%.

Throughout the game the team played very well with everyone contributing and very few mistakes made. Crusaders were therefore well deserving of the victory as the game closed out 57-26.

Speaking after the game a very pleased Coach Claridge said,

"I think this result really shows the quality in depth in the team now.... We are working so hard in practise that the games are a pleasure to play!"

Crusaders will be at home again next Saturday when they welcome the Wasps from Chatham to City College Tile Hill. Tip off is at 11:30am.