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 Thursday 1st July 2010 



Oxford Brookes Basketball Club

 

Annual General Meeting

 

2 July 2010 7.30pm

Abingdon Rugby Club

 

AGENDA

 

 

1.                  Minutes of last AGM

 

2.                  Matters Arising

 

3.                  Reports from Officers of the Management Committee

a.      Chairman

b.      Secretary

c.      Treasurer

d.      Head Coach

 

4.                  Election of Officers

a.      Chairman

b.      Secretary

c.      Treasurer

d.      Two Committee Members

 

5.                  Propose changes to Constitution

 

6.                  20010/11 Subscription Fees

a.      U15

b.      U16

c.      U18

 

7.                  20010/11 Training Times and Home Match Days

 

 

8.                  Close of Meeting

 




 

Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Exhibition Game

Brookes Eagles U18 84:76 Oxford Hoops

Oxford Brookes University, Centre for Sport

17 April 2010

 

Already Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League Champions, Brookes Eagles were gifted victory in the Cup Final since their opponents, Brize Norton, were unable to raise a team.  While hugely disappointing for coaches and players alike, nothing can take away the enormous successes that this talented squad have created for themselves this season. 

 

To the local League and Cup double (played against many more experienced and developed players) the Eagles can add Runner’s Up position in their National League U18 South Conference division; proceeding through to the last 16 of the National League U18 Play-offs; and enjoying a SureShot U18 Cup run which saw them knock out another leading Conference team and a strong Premiership side before bowing out.

 

A great season from all the players and coaches which it has been a joy and a pleasure to watch as both supporters and parents.  Thanks guys.

 

 

In lieu of the cup final, Eagles took on an Oxford Hoops side drawn from their Blazers, Sonics and Braves squads in what promised – and turned out to be – a close and exciting battle to the wire, pitching youth and energy against a range of skill and experience.

 

Stand out performances came from the three point shooting of Jake – three threes in the first and third periods; pin-point accuracy with the jump shot from Dan, himself with two threes; constant hustle and determined work inside from Connor – with two threes of his own; and solid ‘big-man’ work from Tom and Captain David – for which he was awarded match MVP.  If Mike had a quiet game points-wise, his contribution on the floor was of his usual intensity, fighting for every ball, rejecting shots and rebounding with the tallest.  Francis, still protecting his injured fingers, returned to show what an unconventional and creative player he is, tipping the ball in with almost casual ease under the tightest of situations.  Devon and Ed provided excellent value around the court and Tim made the most of his few minutes to assist on offence and rebound effectively at the other end.  A great team performance.

 

The first quarter saw Eagles gradually build a nine point lead before team fouls allowed Hoops back in from the free throw line, concluding the period 22 apiece.  The second quarter followed a similar pattern, Eagles pulling away early on with strong work by Devon, Francis, David and Dan, before Hoops came back, only loosing the period by one point, leaving the score 48:47 at the half.

 

Starting the second half with a flourish from Dan, Connor and Jake, again established a slight advantage for Eagles.  This time, despite pressure mid-period centred around a disputed personal and technical foul on Jake, Hoops were unable to rebuild.  Indeed Eagles forced the first 24 second violation of the game on Hoops’ with some determined defence.  Winning the quarter 25:21, Eagles took a slender 73:68 lead into the final period – slender but significant for such a tight game.

 

The fourth quarter was unusual for its slow point scoring, with only 6 scored in the first seven minutes.  A three from Connor broke the drought for the home side and disrupted what looked like the start of a Hoops fight back.  With Eagles choosing to run the clock down with long slow offences, Hoops tried to foul to disrupt matters, in the event sending Francis and Connor to the line where they only further cemented the home sides’ advantage, putting the game beyond Hoops’ reach.  A very satisfactory end to a good game and a great season.

 

After the game came the presentations and photographs; and two heart-felt final shouts: EAGLES!!

 

Jake Caudle 11, Ed Kirwan dns, Tom Iverson 9, Mike Bird 5, David Hyde 8, Tim Pointer dns, Dan Ormrod 14, Francis Brobby 11, Connor Sugden 22, Devon Powell 4.




National League U18 Play-Offs

Brookes Eagles U18 77:94 Medway Park Crusaders

Oxford Brookes University, Centre for Sport

10 April 2010

 

Reaching the last 16 in the U18 play-offs is a great credit to this Brookes Eagles team, despite the immediate disappointment of loosing again to Medway – who knocked Eagles out of the SureShot Cup competition back in December – and bowing out of national league basketball for this season.  And, despite missing a number of regular players through injury or other commitments, this match saw stand-out performances from Dan, whose shooting form came good with no less than five three pointers on his way to 21 personal points; and from Jordan Sandiford, stepping up from the U16 and playing a fine game at point.

 

But, with a place in the last eight on offer, Medway, who finished fourth in their South Premier League, were the sharper and the keener for the win, hurting Eagles most in the second quarter where their lead was built.  Despite all their efforts, Eagles were unable to reclaim the deficit during the second half, though battling to the very end.

 

Connor just touched the tip, but the ball fell awkwardly and Crusaders were the first to recover and strike for the Oxford basket for an uncontested two points.  David notched up one from two for Eagles’ first points.  With Connor working well under the basket and Dan hitting two threes and Jake a three of his own, for the first nine minutes both teams were neck and neck, with the visitors looking uncertain at the foul line.  But a short run in the last minute gave Medway a four point advantage at the end of the quarter, 23:27.  Mike’s final shot broke the run, bouncing high off the ring before falling with a swish; though a foul with 1.6 seconds on the clock did gift Medway one further point.

 

Urged to defend the baseline and not to ball watch, Eagles stepped out again determined to regain the initiative with a very positive shout.  Crusaders had other ideas and quickly built the lead with sharper transition, putting Mike onto four personal fouls, David and Jake on three and Tom on two.  While Connor continued to impress with his inside work in heavy traffic, and Tom, Dan and David added points, the Brookes boys were unable to make the most of their visits to the foul line under the pressure of the occasion, missing ten crucial points.  A series of outside three pointers compounded the situation so that, by the halfway point, Eagles were trailing 39:54.

 

The third quarter was tied at 15 points.  Eagles looked more comfortable with their game, assisting well and showing more self-belief both in the field and, importantly, at the free throw line.  Significantly, Medway fell prey to both 24 second and 3 second violations on offence and, while still not boxing out as effectively as they can and tending to rush their offensive play, Eagles seemed to be settling and starting to play their game.  Connor scored over the heads of the opposition and Jake stole the ball and drove for an uncontested lay-up.  Dan landed another three and Jake blocked an offence effectively, drawing a call for travel on Crusaders.

 

At 54:69 at the start of the fourth period, there was much to do, but an opening three from Dan and two from two at the line by David promised well.  More settled - scoring regularly on offences and missing nothing from the foul line – Eagles played a good final quarter and should have eaten into the deficit, were it not for the three point shooting of the visitors.  With five threes littered through the period, Medway repeatedly undid all the hard work of Eagles at a stroke.  Undaunted Eagles pressed on, with Jordan Sandiford scoring his first points, Mike and David returning effectively, Dan continuing to add to his tally and Connor ending the match with two solid baskets.

 

Though obviously disappointed at the result, the U18s concluded their national league season with heart – which has been the measure of the team throughout the year.

 

 

Jake Caudle 5, Phil Tierney dnp, Jordan Sandiford 2, Tom Iverson 9,

Mike Bird 6, Jordan Anderson dns, David Hyde 11, Tim Pointer dnp,

Dan Ormrod 21, Stanley Bijura dnp, Connor Sugden 23, Bradley Loxton dnp.





3 New reports, U18's v Witney and Stealers and Playoff report v Cardiff Celts

National League U18 Play-Offs

Brookes Eagles U18 82:60 Cardiff Celts

Trelai Youth Centre, Cardiff

28 March 2010

 

Expecting a feisty, battling performance from a team who won their league championship in triple overtime, in the event Eagles ran out fairly comfortable winners in their first play-off game against Cardiff Celts.  Cardiff, without their usual coach (nor, indeed, scoreboard or heating!) began by over relying on their tall man.   His fourth foul early in the third quarter took him out of the game, demoralising the home side.  While Cardiff were re-establishing their offence around their guards, Eagles were able to stretch out a lead which proved ultimately unassailable. 

 

But it was in the final seconds of the game, with the result beyond doubt and heads up, that Eagles saw perhaps the highlight of their season.  Passed the ball just inside the front court, David shot a high, powerful – hopeful – three which fell sweetly through the Cardiff ring to tumultuous acclamation from bench and travelling supporters.  Cardiff knew then that they had not simply lost; they had been well and truly beaten!

 

The game also saw Eagles’ own Welsh international, Connor, continue his rich vein of form with another point leading performance which out-classed the opposition inside; while Mike also continued to impress with his battling work at point and accurate shooting from the field and free throw line.  Between them, these two racked up 33 of the team’s 42 first half points. 

 

Though winning the tip, a moment’s confusion allowed Celts to take first points before Connor opened Eagles’ account with an assist from Mike.  Strong defence denied the Celts easy shots, while great hustle and rebounding gave Eagles considerable offensive advantage.  That said, Cardiff kept in touch to level matters 19-all at the end of the first period.

 

Urged to win from defence, Eagles took control of the second period with more great hustle from Ed, Mike rebounding his own shots and Connor scoring – indeed dunking – in heavy traffic.  David and Tom added their own points.  Only through momentary lapses of focus were Celts able to wrong foot Eagles with long forward passes to waiting shooters. 

At 42:29 at the half, Eagles were in control thanks to Connor and Mike and went back in with the starting five again, but this time determined to force the opposition into making outside shots and to play a patient defence-led game.  An opening three from Mike – curiously his last points, but by no means last contribution, in the game – and a basket from Connor were followed by a period of traded offences and shots.  Calling a timeout, Coach Baker instructed his players to avoid falling into this trap which could favour the home team, and to play their own game.  Patience was rewarded as Dan’s shots started to fall true, including a three in immediate answer to one from Cardiff.  Jake was himself unlucky not to sink a buzzer beating three from mid-court; the ball twisting at the last moment to bounce off the ring.

 

Though Cardiff were starting to show a revived offence at the end of the third and into the fourth quarter, and Eagles quickly fell into team foul trouble, the visitors were able to keep ahead through points from Dan, Connor and Tom – who also drew applause for a big rejection of a Cardiff shot; with Arnie coming on to add four rapid points and Jake sinking a second three.  Under pressure, Eagles rallied as a team, hustling hard for every ball and rebounding effectively, a late time out setting up the possibility which David so magnificently realised.

 

This win moves Eagles into the next round of the play-offs: a home fixture against Medway Park Crusaders, who finished mid-position in the U18 South Premier League and who, back in November, knocked Eagles out of the SureShot Cup.  Revenge at Brookes Centre for Sport on 10 April would be sweet – and would mean an away match up against U18 North Premier Champions, Manchester Magic.

 

Jake Caudle 10, Phil Tierney dnp, Ed Kirwan dns, Tom Iverson 4,  

Mike Bird 17, Jordan Anderson dnp, David Hyde 7, Tim Pointer dns,

Dan Ormrod 11, Connor Sugden 29,  Arnie Akcal 4.





Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 92:89 Oxford Stealers

Cheney School, Oxford

25 March 2010

 

This was a far more challenging game than Eagles had faced in their recent Oxford league fixtures, against a tough and physical team.  By a strange quirk of points and games won and lost head to head, Oxford Stealers could win the League by winning by more than 10; while Eagles could also win the League – provided they did so by less than 10 points! 

 

The tip was scrappy enabling Stealers to take first points.  Eagles quickly replied with a three from Dan.  Although Stealers immediately replied with their own three, Connor scored twice in quick succession while Jake took two from a possible three and Dan, on fine shooting form, another straight six points.  Eagles were using their faster offence to good effect, while another rattling three pointer from Dan, and threes from Devon and Connor more than balanced the damage caused by the Stealers’ big men under the basket.  David sealed Eagles’ advantage, 28:22, with a firm put back in the final seconds of the period.

 

Determined work by Stealers’ #5 & #7 pushed Eagles hard in the second quarter, levelling the scores.  Mike opened with one of his trademark drives round everyone straight for the basket for two; while Connor, Jake and Devon added points from the free throw line.  An indication of the tighter defence offered by Stealers is that it was only in the eighth minute that Jake scored Eagle’s first field goal of the quarter with a swish three – albeit quickly followed by a neat left handed layup from Dan off a Devon assist.  Apart from one more basket by Connor, this time assisted by Dan, Eagles had to rely on points from the foul line.  The pity is that Eagles couldn’t manage to make more of Stealers hitting team fouls as early as the third minute.  At 47:46 at the half, this crucial game was still very finely balanced.

 

Returning to the starting five, Connor soon added four from the field and Jake a very long three – the second of four in the game as a whole.   Stealers quickly replied with a run of their own, taking a slight lead with a three.  Devon immediately stepped up with a three of his own, his only points in the quarter but vital in maintaining Eagle’s challenge.  Shortly after, Jake replied in similar swift fashion to another three by Stealers.  These quick responses to the home team’s attempts to break the score line stalemate were crucial in keeping the visitors in touch and were to prove the key to Eagle’s eventual victory.  Similarly Connor’s creative shot taking and the whole team effort, lead by Captain David, to physically mob and shut down the threat from the Stealers’ big men, were vital elements in winning the game.

 

Mike rounded off the quarter with a great run of five from six at the foul line; David and Tom adding put back baskets to give Eagles a slim 73:68 lead heading into the final quarter.

 

Devon opened with a steal and drive which came up empty but provided David with the chance to go to the foul line and take one from two.  Connor then stole and drove to dunk the ball to huge applause, shortly after sinking another long forward pass, while Jake scored his fourth three and Mike added two more points. 

 

This momentum was in danger of giving Eagles too large a lead at 83:69!  Stealers soon obliged by storming back to bring the game within three points.  With David fouling out in the sixth minute, Stealers were able to edge closer to the basket, though Devon, Tom and Connor – with another determined dunk! – just kept the visitors in front.

 

A very questionable technical on Mike seemed to offer Stealer’s shooter the chance to almost level the scores – fortunately he was unable to hit either shots.  Despite one further basket, the home side was still three points adrift with only 36 seconds remaining.  Eagles sought to keep hold of the ball and run the clock down while looking to draw a foul – which eventually came with 1.8 seconds remaining, sending Devon to the line.  He sunk the first, effectively putting the game beyond Stealers’ reach, and ensuring that Oxford Brookes Eagles won by the necessary less than 10 points, 92:89, and so became the Oxford and Chiltern Men’s League Champions 2009-10.

 

Worthy victors and great Champions.  Congratulations!!

Jake Caudle 16, Ed Kirwan dnp, Tom Iverson 4, Mike Bird 9, David Hyde 7,  Tim Pointer dns, Dan Ormrod 14, Connor Sugden 29, Arnie Akcal dnp, Devon Powell 13.




Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 107:26 Witney Houstons

Wood Green School, Witney

23 March 2010

 

From the winning tip and Connor’s reverse lay-up for first points, to Mike’s final basket, this was Eagles all the way to an overwhelming victory.

 

The quarter scores say it all: 26:7, 26:3, 31:5 and 24:11.

 

The only downside to the evening was the blow to the little finger on Francis’ shooting hand during warm up, which limited his effectiveness in this game, and which has subsequently proved to be a broken bone –putting him out of action for the rest of the season.  Commiserations to him.

 

 

Jake Caudle 9, Phil Tierney dns, Ed Kirwan 11, Tom Iverson 11, Mike Bird 5, David Hyde 14, Tim Pointer 14, Dan Ormrod 5, Francis Brobby 20, Connor Sugden 15, Devon Powell 3.




Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 151:33 Thame Tigers

Abingdon & Witney College, Abingdon

17 March 2010

 

With what was probably a club record for points in a game, Brookes Eagles tamed a lack-lustre Thame Tigers, 151:33, in their second league match up for the season.  Both teams were fielding reduced benches, but Eagles looked far and away the livelier, turning the Tigers over continuously for many almost uncontested baskets.

 

Indeed, were it not for Thame #16, the Tigers would have remained without a point by half time; they had to wait until the tweflth minute of the game to score their first field goal – and a further ten minutes before scoring their second!

 

By contrast Devon and Francis went on a points binge – Devon just beating Francis to the top scorer’s position, 37 to 35; Dan saw a welcome return to shooting form; Mike continued to impress with a very solid performance; Tim impressed his Dad (never easy); and Ed went for it – BIG TIME.  Not only did Ed literally throw himself into the action, netting a season’s personal best 11, but he beat David to the “First to Foul Out” position.  Meanwhile Arnie paid close attention to the technical strategies outlined by a very relaxed Coach Baker; and kept everyone amused.

 

Quite apart from the chance to execute some more creative shots, Eagles took this opportunity to build their team dynamics, with all players enjoying a good length of court time in a range of different combinations which will stand the squad in good stead as they face the play-offs in a couple of weeks.

 

And just for the record, the quarter scores were: 38:1, 35:8, 31:12, 47:12.

 

Ed Kirwan 11, Mike Bird 21, Devon Powell 37, David Hyde 6,
( six ?.... Dave, what were you doing all night ? ) (editors comment) 
Tim Pointer 13, Dan Ormrod 24, Francis Brobby 35, Arnie Akcal 4.





U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 125:53 Woking Blackhawks

Brookes Centre for Sport

13 March 2010

 

For their last match of the National League regular season, Brookes Eagles again whitewashed Woking Blackhawks.  Both teams were light on players, but it was clear from the outset that Eagles enjoyed considerable height advantage.  This they used to out-rebound the opposition, forcing them to rely on outside shooting and free throws for the majority of their points.

 

The first period saw Connor win the tip but the ball fall into Woking hands – though this was quickly turned over.  Thereafter Eagles worked industriously under the Blackhawks basket, Connor assisting David to score the home team’s first seven points.  While Woking kept in touch with four three pointers, three points from the line and a couple of baskets, Eagles were clearly the more aggressive team.  Connor and David worked well together to dominate play with rebounds, rejections and dunks.  Their final play in the period saw Connor slam the ball onto the glass for David to rebound and score.  They were ably assisted by Jake, Dan and Mike – himself rejecting the ball late on in the quarter.  The 22:19 scoreline at the end of the first period did not reflect the dominance of the home side in the game.

 

This became apparent in the next two quarters when Eagles completely dominated; winning the second 32:3, the third 32:14, and preventing Woking from scoring any more field goals until almost six minutes into the third quarter.  Mike, Tom, Connor, Dan and Tim were able to score almost at will, and did so, Mike adding one more three to his season’s tally.  Woking were only able to manage occasional points from the three throw line. 

 

In the third quarter the Bench was rotated enabling Phil and Jordan in on the action as Connor, Mike, Dan, Jake, Tom and Tim continued to push the score with athletic and varied attack; Connor bringing the home Bench to its feet with a powerful rejection of a Woking shot.

At 86:36 going into the final period, there was little Woking could do except play the game out and, while they played with heart, again finding three point range on a couple of occasions, they mainly took points from foul shots.  By contrast, Eagles continued to score well from the field, Jake now stepping up and David adding to his total before fouling out, as tradition dictates, with just 8.1 seconds on the clock.  Dan, continuing his return to form, scored a mid-period three to take Eagles over the 100 before working the end game with David and Tim.

 

In all, a comprehensive and satisfying victory to end the season, enabling Oxford Brookes Eagles to claim the U18 South Conference Runners-up title by a comfortable margin.  Congratulations to them and Coaches Bill Baker, Mark Pointon and Andre Sandiford.  Go Eagles!!!

 

Jake Caudle 8, Phil Tierney 2, Tom Iverson 20, Mike Bird 14, Jordan Anderson 1, David Hyde 15, Tim Pointer 17, Dan Ormrod 22, Connor Sugden 26.



Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 126:61 Thame Tigers

Lord William’s School, Lower School Site, Thame

11 March 2010

 

In their second local league game in two days, coming in off a commanding victory over Witney, Eagles swept away Thame with another overwhelming win.  Again allowing a weak opposition to score more points than they really deserved, Eagles used their superior fitness and passing skills to wrong foot an ill-matched team and book themselves a position near the top of the league.

 

Though Connor won the tip well, his initial shot failed to fall, with Francis eventually taking first points.  Initially Thame matched Eagles basket for basket, until the sixth minute, when two rapid lay-ups and a three from Francis opened the game up in the visitors’ favour.  From that point on, Thame were unable to do more than watch as Dan, Connor, Jake, David, Devon and Francis landed points to take the first period 36:19.

 

The second quarter was a more balanced affair with David replying to an opening three from Thame with a nice trailer move to the basket for two-an-one.  With Ed on good form and Connor and David scoring and rejecting strongly, Thame quickly looked tired, their passes often missing the mark or dying at their recipient’s feet.  Only occasional lapses in defence enabled the home team to take enough points to match Eagles and take the half-time score-line to 56:37.

 

The second half saw Eagles thoroughly cage the Tigers, winning each quarter 31:11 and 39:11.  Devon and Francis again led the charge; with Arnie contributing well in the third and Jake, Dan and Connor adding points in the fourth.  Eagles worked well as a team, rebounding and tipping back each other’s shots effectively, with Thame rarely able to intervene or create their own passages of play.

 

Jake’s burst of points early in the fourth was a remarkable display of quick thinking as he scored, turned over the inbound ball and scored again, stole the ball as Thame brought it down and drove for a left-handed lay-up, then took a calm three pointer on Eagles’ next possession to notch up their 100 points. 

 

An overwhelming win with the return match at home next Wednesday.

 

Jake Caudle 14, Ed Kirwan 6, Tom Iverson 2, David Hyde 11, Tim Pointer 4, Dan Ormrod 12, Francis Brobby 30, Connor Sugden 18, Arnie Akcal 9, Devon Powell 20.





Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 119:53 Witney Houstons

Abingdon & Witney College, Abingdon

10 March 2010

 

From Connor’s winning tip to Francis’ 19 personal points in the last three minutes of the final quarter this was Eagle’s game, with Witney offering little in reply.  Good ball distribution, particularly in transition, and effective double team traps enabled Eagles to take advantage of passive defence and an unwillingness to chase back, which left the Witney basket often undefended.

 

Good team work between the opening five of Francis, Devon, Connor, David and Jake quickly established a 13 point lead before Witney managed to find the hoop.  And, despite a flurry of fouls mid-period which Witney only partially converted into points, Eagles continued to work well stretching the lead with points from Tom and Ed, to end the quarter 27:12 ahead.

 

This pattern of play continued in the second quarter with Arnie and Jake stepping up and Tim taking one from two at the line. 

 

Starting the second half 47:28, while David’s coast to coast failed to fall, and Witney managed to break free from the trap to take first points, Devon nailed his first three to re-assert Eagles’ control.  Francis took three from four at the foul line, Devon continued to impress in the field, Tom sunk an acute angle three, Ed took a two-and-one and Tim added two points of his own. 

 

With the score-line 80:47, Witney seemed to give up in the final period, only adding a further 8 to Eagles’ 39: a rout – underlined by Francis’ final 19 on his way to a season high of 40 points.  A commanding win.

 

Jake Caudle 2, Ed Kirwan 7, Tom Iverson 8, David Hyde 7, Tim Pointer 5, Dan Ormrod 2, Francis Brobby 40, Connor Sugden 13, Arnie Akcal 12, Devon Powell 23.





U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 77: 48 Guildford Heat

Brookes University, Centre for Sport

6 March 2010

 

Eagles wrapped up their season’s fixtures against the Heat with another comfortable home victory.  The match followed a very similar pattern to their first match up at Brookes back in November with Eagles taking a strong early lead and Guildford always struggling to get back into contention; in sharp contrast to the close one point game on Heat’s home court.

 

Though Guildford, as in November, won the tip and took first points in a slow and tentative opening, Eagles came right back mid-period and established a 27:6 lead by the end of the quarter.  Francis was outstanding under the basket, scoring 22 of these points, from field and foul line with a range of shots.  Mike and Connor added the remaining points.  Guildford were being out-run in transition and were paying the price.

 

However, they opened the second quarter strongly with a three and were able to hold their own against the Eagles, basket for basket, throughout the period as Eagles relaxed their offence.  Mike was able to turn the ball over on Heat on many occasions, either driving to the basket himself or passing forward to Francis or Jake; David was rebounding strongly and took a good assist from Ed to take a nice jump shot.  Meanwhile Connor made one dunk in his customary forceful style in heavy traffic.

 

At 37:18 at the half, Eagles were well placed to take the match, though Guildford were still threatening to penetrate from the baseline, especially where double-teaming mid-court left gaps in defence if the Guildford player could break the trap.  They also managed to sink a couple of threes and draw Eagles into Team Fouls by the sixth minute – though they failed to capitalise on their visits to the free throw line.  Strong work by Connor and Mike, and an answering three from Jake enabled Eagles to draw the third period.

 

Urged to do the simple things well and box out, Eagles went into the final quarter with renewed vigour, despite conceding an early three.  Whereas in November they had let Guildford back into the game, on this occasion they gave no quarter, with Francis, Tom and Mike leading the points scoring, Tim adding two and a final point from the free throw line.

 

In the end a good third win against a young Guildford Heat squad who played with heart.  This confirms Eagles’ likely final position as League Runners-up; Barnet taking the Champion’s slot in recognition of their two wins over Eagles.

 

Jake Caudle 5, Phil Tierney dnp, Ed Kirwan dns, Tom Iverson 4, Mike Bird 15, Jordan Anderson dnp, David Hyde 2, Tim Pointer 3, Dan Ormrod dns, Francis Brobby 34, Connor Sugden 14.




U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 80:88 Barnet Bulldogs

Woodhouse College

28 February 2010

 

In terms of league position, this was a need-to-win game.  Having beaten Barnet on their first meeting, Eagles had then lost to them at home; the winner of this third meeting of the top two teams in the league would, most likely, decide who could claim the Champions’ title.

 

As previously the Barnet threat came from their strong inside play, which repeatedly punished slack defence, keeping them in touch with the more varied play from Eagles.  Barnet were also more consistent at the free throw line, even though their physical play sent Eagles to the line so frequently.  For Eagles, Mike, still recovering from tonsillitis, was not on his usual form; while Francis was targeted and quickly found himself in foul trouble in the first and second quarters.

 

Connor won the tip, though Barnet gained first points with a three.  Francis replied with a two but Barnet’s aggressive offence broke down Eagle’s defence to take a 9:2 lead before Francis was able to score again.  Dan and David kept the visitors in touch, while a buzzer beating three from Mike under heavy pressure brought the scores to a reasonable 13:17 at the end of the first quarter.

 

The second period again saw Barnet just edge out Eagles, 20:22, as Oxford failed to make the most of their many visits to the free throw line, and occasionally gifted the home team with an almost undefended basket.  At the half Eagles were trailing 33:40 and, while both Francis and Mike were on 3 personal fouls, three key Barnet players were in similar strife.  The game was still open.

 

Coming out with renewed fire, Eagles took the third quarter by a determined 25:15 points, with Jake stepping up mid-period with an and-one followed by a three to pull the scores almost level.  A further three, this time from Francis, followed by a basket by Tom, established a narrow lead for Eagles going into the final quarter, 58:55.

The fourth quarter opened brightly with Francis quickly adding another two points and Tom adding six of his own in the opening three minutes.  But there followed a disastrous couple of minutes when Barnet went on a 13 point run in the course of which Francis and David fouled out and the Eagles found themselves on team fouls.  Thereafter, while Eagles valiantly played catch-up, Barnet sensed victory and pressed hard, scoring and drawing fouls which they were able to convert into crucial points. 

 

Unsportsmanlike noisy behaviour from the Barnet supporters further disconcerted Eagles, though Dan and Tim were able to hold their concentration and sink their free throws successfully. 

 

In the end, time ran out for the Oxford visitors and Barnet were the jubilant victors of this fixture and probably, thereby, the League.  A disappointing end to an exciting game - again marred by attitude from Barnet’s coaches and supporters, though happily not the players: to whom, congratulations.

 

Jake Caudle 10, Phil Tierney dnp, Ed Kirwan dnp, Tom Iverson 8, Mike Bird 3, Jordan Anderson dnp, David Hyde 4, Tim Pointer 2, Dan Ormrod 15, Francis Brobby 21, Connor Sugden 17, Arnie Akcal dnp.



Saturday, 6 March:
U16's v. Haringey Borough (National League)

Brookes 89 (Q1:28, Q2:21, Q3:20, Q4:20) Haringey 61 (Q1:26, Q2:13, Q3:14, Q4:8)

 

Brookes won 89 to 61.

 

A well deserved win achieved through a great team performance and probably the most enjoyable game to watch this season. ‘Play of the game’ was Jon standing tall, and alone, on a Haringey fast break. Haringey failed to make the basket, didn’t draw a foul and Brookes picked up the rebound.  Coaches did a great job of getting everyone on the bench into the game without disrupting the Brookes game.

 

Individual scores

Name

Points

Name

Points

Jordan Sandiford (4)

16

Bradley Loxton (5)

18

Ollie Clayton (8)

11

Olivier Jacquelin (9)

2

Daniel Ghadimi (10)

8

Tim Fuller (11)

2

Leo Kerrigan (14)

2

Gavin Fielding (14)

4

Stanley Bijura (15)

26

 

 


With fourteen games played (won 9, lost 5), we are third in the table at 32 points (Baddow 1st with 37 points and Haringey with 34) and into the final two games of the season.

 

One down and just two more games to go! The excellent win against Haringey sets the team up nicely for the games against Islington and Spartans. It also keeps us on track for finishing the season on 38 points and, potentially, into the playoffs! Haringey’s final game of the season is against Eastside and we know how strong they can be. Islington lost their first, at home, game against Baddow (62 / 71).

 

A strong showing of Brookes supporters for the game against Islington would be great. See you all this coming Saturday at St Aloysius’ College, Hornsey Lane, Highgate, London N6 5LY. Tip is at 12:00 PM.



Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 96:92 Oxford Hoops Sonics

St Gregory the Great School, Oxford

5 March 2010

 

Eagles approached their return league fixture with local rivals Sonics knowing that it would be a closely contested match but looking to overturn their previous defeat in over-time.  A very physical start by Sonics, and the presence of a National League Div. three player in their squad, seemed to awe the boys, who started by playing a very static game.

 

Sonics took full advantage and stretched an early lead with just Mike and Connor keeping the visitors in touch on the scoreboard.  Determined work by Francis and Connor in the final two minutes restored some hope, bringing the scores back from 10:23 to 18:23, before a careless foul gifted two-and-one to Sonics on the buzzer.

 

Changing to a 2-3 zone and urged to play smarter by their Coach, Eagles came out in the second quarter looking far livelier.  Mike and Devon assisted each other for successive baskets before Francis rattled in his own basket and started a rich vein of shooting form which saw him nail 15 points in the period.  The zone defence forced long outside shots from Sonics which were more readily rebounded by Eagles, David and Connor hustling well. 

 

By mid-period, Eagles had drawn level with Sonics, and the lead switched between the teams as individual baskets were scored, before a late run by Sonics saw them again stretch out a 43:52 lead at half time.

 

Eagles came out in the third quarter looking far more confident and they took it 29 points to 17 with Francis and Devon leading the charge ably supported by Mike and David.  The key was the effect of close marking and double-teaming on Sonic’s key player and keeping the zone defence really tight.  Eagles managed to make up their deficit in points and even create a 64:57 lead by the sixth minute, before Sonics staged a mini-revival to take a one point lead – Francis restoring order with two from two at the line and a late basket in the tenth minute to take Eagles into the final period 72:69 to the good.

 

The determined hustle from the third continued with Tom making a huge block on defence, while good offensive rebounding by Tom and Tim enabled them to put back baskets and gradually edge the game in Eagles’ favour.  Although Connor, Francis and David were to foul out; and although the points difference was never comfortable; during the final five minutes there was a definite sense that Eagles were in the driving seat and that Sonics were playing catch-up. 

 

A mid-period run by Sonics saw them recover, draw level and briefly take the lead, before a basket from Mike assisted by Tom and a three to Devon started the end-game with Eagles in charge and the home team looking frustrated and weary.  Through a series of strategic time-outs in the last minute, with Sonics on team fouls and their key player fouled out, Eagles were able to capitalise from the foul line, Mike and Devon sinking six from six.  A desperate three offered Sonics some hope, but it was too little too late and Eagles ran out relieved and triumphant winners.

 

It is always good to win a local derby – whatever the post-match comments, analysis and banter between Coaches and Referees.

 

Jake Caudle 1, Ed Kirwan dns., Tom Iverson 4, Mike Bird 16, David Hyde 6, Tim Pointer 2, Dan Ormrod 1, Francis Brobby 34, Connor Sugden 11, Devon Powell 21.







Friendly

Brookes Eagles U18 93:66 Oxford Brookes Uni.II

Brookes Centre for Sport

20 February 2010

 

With Dorset Storm having to forfeit their final match-up of the season with Eagles because their Coach was injured and unable to travel with them to Oxford, Eagles were fortunate to be offered a friendly against the second team from Brookes University.

 

Though Eagles set the pace with an early run, Brookes Uni. recovered mid-period to match Eagles 17:16 by the end of the first quarter.  Determined work by Tom and Dan in the first half of the second period created a ten point advantage, from which Brookes Uni. never really recovered for the rest of the game.  Further points by Tom, David and Devon with a three, gave Eagles the quarter 30:17, to establish a 47:33 lead at the half.

 

Though Brookes Uni. did fare better in the third period, holding Eagles to 18:16, they were out-scored again in the fourth quarter 28:17; with Dan, Mike, David, Connor and Francis leading the scoring, Devon landing another three, Jake and Tim adding points and the whole team supporting well.  Very suitably Captain David Hyde concluded with a three pointer of his own with only seconds left on the clock and Eagles pressing hard despite their comfortable lead.

 

In all a useful warm up to the second leg of the Oxford Cup semi-final against Thame on Wednesday and the all important probable Championship decider game against Barnet Bulldogs next Sunday – to which all supporters are very welcome (travel details and address of venue on website home page).

 

Jake Caudle 6, Phil Tierney dns, Jordan Sandiford dns, Tom Iverson 14, Mike Bird 8, Devon Powell 6, David Hyde 20, Tim Pointer 1, Dan Ormrod 8, Francis Brobby 16, Connor Sugden 14.





Match reports below for the U18's v Oxford Blazers, Solent and Woking Games

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 91:58 Woking Blackhawks

Winston Churchill School, Woking

7 February 2010

 

In the third fixture of a triple header weekend, Eagles dismissed Woking on their chilly home court with Francis, Connor and Mike leading the points charge, restricting Woking to the same score as their previous encounter two weeks before.

 

Though Eagles won the tip they could not establish control of the game and the first three or four minutes play were inconclusive and literally point-less.  However, once Mike opened all scoring, he was quickly followed in by Francis with a flying two, then two from the line.  David hustled effectively and Connor and Dan replied to home points.  Yet Eagles were still only matching the opposition point for point.

 

In his time-out, Coach Baker urged his players to work to prevent Woking from even getting hold of the ball, rather than defending once they had done so.  This ‘advice’ seemed to hit home.  On the re-start Connor (with his trademark two-handed dunk) and Francis took control of the points scoring; while the rest of the team limited Woking to only one more basket in the quarter, forcing hopeful long shots.  At the buzzer Eagles were 22:13 ahead.

 

For the first four minutes of the second quarter it was all Eagles; Mike and Jake thoroughly confusing the opposition with rapid to and fro passing with an eventual attempt by David bouncing out but re-shot successfully by Connor.  David was rebounding effectively, assisting Francis to a two-and-one, while also rejecting the ball out of the hands of Woking’s big 14.  Mike popped in a long two, followed immediately by a three off of a loose ball which he had scooped up mid-court.

 

Woking only started to make any impression in the final three minutes with a couple of threes and odd points courtesy of their captain, their only real playmaker.  But these were answered by Jake, Ed and Dan – patient passing by the Eagles frustrating Woking’s defence. 

At the half, Eagles seemed to be in firm control of the game at 44:26, but a determined rally by Woking on the re-start saw them pull to within 10 points and put Eagles quickly on team fouls, before Connor and Francis, alternating baskets, got Oxford back on track, stretching the lead back to 22 points.  Mike and Arny also scored before Francis, his knee injuries in remission, pulled up for a very deliberate three.

 

The fourth quarter was another very slow starter for both teams: Eagles not scoring for the first two and a half minutes and Woking failing to take advantage of visits to the free throw line.  Connor’s two-and-one and two from two at the line was followed by a substantial change in players.  Initially this seemed to pay off with a long jumper from Mike.  But there followed another period of inconclusive play before Mike took one from two at the line and then shot a high jump shot which fell neatly for two.  Francis then landed a one-handed right-hand dunk followed immediately by a back hook shot, which seemed to galvanise the rest of the team into action; Mike and Phil adding points; David also hooking in a basket before fouling out with 9.7 seconds remaining – very close to the planned 10!  

 

In the end a convincing 91:58 victory to end a tiring triple header weekend leaving Eagles top of the league with Barnet the team to beat at the end of the month for the League Champions’ position.

 

Jake Caudle 4, Phil Tierney 2, Ed Kirwan 2, Tom Iverson dnp, Mike Bird 17, Jordan Anderson dns, David Hyde 2, Tim Pointer dns, Dan Ormrod 6, Francis Brobby 32, Connor Sugden 24, Arny Akcal 2.



 

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 93:65 Solent Kestrels II

Brookes University Centre for Sport

6 February 2010

 

 

With Francis on the Bench because of knee injuries, this was the game where Connor stepped up to score his personal best for the season (so far!) of 32 points, easing Eagles to their third and final victory in the league against Solent Kestrels II. 

 

That said, Solent won the tip and took first points before Dan scored the first of his four threes in this match to open for Eagles.  This seemed to settle the home side; Connor, David, Jake and Mike then pouring in the points with only occasional replies from Solent.  A key feature of Oxford’s success was the long forward pass to a player well positioned under the opposition’s basket.  Suitably it was Dan, with his on-form jump shot, who closed the period, giving Eagles a 23:13 lead.

 

The second period was a more balanced affair, both teams putting together mini-runs of points.  But Eagles showed themselves the more rounded team with all players scoring – and Connor delighting with a mighty rejection followed, shortly after, by the first of his two-handed dunks.

 

46:33 at the re-start and Coach Baker urged his players to use the third quarter to put the game to bed by picking up the pace and getting involved, while increasing the level of defence.  With support from Jake, Mike and David, Dan and Connor dominated the middle of the period with a couple more threes for Dan and a stream of baskets for Connor, including another trademark two-handed dunk.  Establishing a 72:47 lead by the seventh minute, Jordan, Ed and Tom were able to come on court to add their points to the mix.

 

The fourth quarter started well with Connor taking a quick basket,  a 24 second violation on Solent’s next offence, followed immediately by a three from Ed.  At 81:54, the game was secure and Coach Baker started to rotate the Bench, enabling Tom, Arny and Phil to round off the match, 93:65.

 

This third victory against Solent has put paid to their challenge for a top position in the league, leaving Eagles and Barnet as very much the front runners, with Guildford the only other, outside, contender.

 

 

Jake Caudle 4, Phil Tierney 2, Ed Kirwan 4, Tom Iverson 13, Mike Bird 8, Jordan Anderson 1, David Hyde 8, Tim Pointer 2, Dan Ormrod 16, Francis Brobby dnp, Connor Sugden 32, Arny Akcal 3.



 

Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 139:52 Oxford Hoops Blazers

St Gregory the Great School, Oxford

5 February 2010

 

Though looking useful in warm up and winning the tip, Blazers again failed to set the world of basketball alight, in their second league match-up of the season with the Eagles. 

 

Both teams fielded changed benches due to other commitments, with the entire Eagles bench gaining court time and getting themselves onto the score sheet.  Newcomer Devon Powell established his presence with 22 personal points, gaining in confidence in the second half; while Francis complemented this with his 29 points, the majority taken in the first half.  But this was an all-round team performance that demolished the opposition, very nearly creating a lead of 100 before easing back towards the end of the fourth quarter.

 

Despite getting onto team fouls by only halfway through the first quarter, Eagles dominated the first five minutes with incisive play by Francis and patient passing and good offensive rebounding by Tom and David to set up a 17:2 lead.  Though Blazers rallied slightly, their increased defence did not stop Mike and Francis from scoring; they also failed to take points from the free throw line.  Arny’s first points ended the quarter with Eagles a comfortable 33:11 to the good.

 

It took the new five for Eagles a few minutes to settle at the start of the second quarter, allowing Blazers to take four from the line and add a basket as well.  But judicious substitutions reasserted Eagles’ control of the game with Tom, Devon, Francis, Mike and Arny scoring freely and stretching the lead, despite Sofiyani for Blazers netting a couple of threes.  Indeed he scored all but two of his team’s 16 points in the quarter – though easily outstripped by 28 for Eagles as a team.  At 61:27 at the half, Eagles were firmly in control.

 

Eagles dominated the third quarter, 40 points to 15, scoring at will, usually off creative assists.  Tim opened with an assist from David who, after a couple of baskets by Francis, caused the sensation of the evening by dunking the ball, to the loud approval of Eagles and their supporters!  Though again hitting team fouls by mid-quarter, allowing Blazers to take a series of free throw points, this was more than compensated for by a stream of baskets by Tim, Devon, David, Arny and Dan, with Ed weaving his way to the basket for two final points to end the quarter 101:42 in Eagles’ favour.

 

Ed opened the scoring in the final period and, although getting a little ragged, Eagles continued to pile on the points, Blazers not troubling the scoreboard until almost the fifth minute.  Tom took a three and the next two; while Dan, after a quiet game thus far, found his mark with 6 successive points from the field and the foul line.  Francis twice generously assisted Tim, while Tim neatly rebounded a Francis shot in return.  For while it looked as though Eagles were about to ‘clock’ the home team, before easing off slightly in the final minutes.   A worthy and overwhelming victory to the Eagles team, 139:52.




U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 91:58 Woking Blackhawks

Winston Churchill School, Woking

7 February 2010

  

Jake Caudle 4, Phil Tierney 2, Ed Kirwan 2, Tom Iverson dnp, Mike Bird 17, Jordan Anderson dns, David Hyde 2, Tim Pointer dns, Dan Ormrod 6, Francis Brobby 32, Connor Sugden 24, Arny Akcal 2.

 

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 93:65 Solent Kestrels II

Brookes University Centre for Sport

6 February 2010

  

Jake Caudle 4, Phil Tierney 2, Ed Kirwan 4, Tom Iverson 13, Mike Bird 8, Jordan Anderson 1, David Hyde 8, Tim Pointer 2, Dan Ormrod 16, Francis Brobby dnp, Connor Sugden 32, Arny Akcal 3.


Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 139:52 Oxford Hoops Blazers

St Gregory the Great School, Oxford

5 February 2010

 

Ed Kirwan 4, Tom Iverson 20, Mike Bird 16, David Hyde 14, Tim Pointer 16, Dan Ormrod 8, Francis Brobby 29, Devon Powell 22, Arny Akcal 10.





U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 131:58 Woking Blackhawks

Brookes Centre for Sport

23 January 2010

 

Postponed games due to Cup commitments and snowy weather meant that this was the first time Eagles and Blackhawks had met up.  Despite their mid-table position, Woking looked like a useful team in warm up, with some size, speed and skill.  In the event, they were no match for Oxford, who swept them away in a game during which all ten players on the Eagles bench enjoyed  court time and scored – Dan and Connor achieving season best performances, in terms of points, with 26 apiece.  Dan was able to use his favoured mid-range jump shot to pin-point effect; while Conner’s two handed dunk had the home bench roaring their approval throughout the game!

 

Though Connor won the tip, Woking intercepted the ball and opened the scoring.  In the first five minutes Eagles seemed a little nervous and uncertain, allowing Woking to keep pace.  However, a confident drive and right-handed lay-up from Jake gave the home side their first points.  With Dan and Connor also opening their account and Mike flying to the basket, Eagles went into the first time-out with a one point advantage. 

 

Urged to step up the speed of their transition, Eagles came out stronger, assisting each other well, enabling Connor and Dan to pile on the points, with Tim adding a two and one to round off the first quarter 25:12 to the good.  Attempting to beat the buzzer Mike almost added to his reputation with a court-length shot which only narrowly missed the rim; had it fallen, god-like status would have been assured!

 

Connor opened the second period by sweeping up a loose ball and driving to the Woking basket for another dunk; swiftly followed by Mike taking a pass from Tim and scoring off another long run in.  Although Woking did answer with a three and an occasional basket, Eagles were in charge of the game; Dan and Connor scoring well, Tim landing a three, Jake scoring four of his six points in this quarter in two rapid successive offences, and Ed and Tom adding baskets of their own.

At the half, Eagles were well ahead, 51:28, and were urged to continue to play hard and win the game from defence, bidding for every rebound so as to give Woking no second chances on the home basket.  This advice paid off with a quarter score 42:15 in Oxford’s favour – Woking not troubling the score-sheet for the first five minutes, and then having to rely on two threes from their #5 to bulk up their points, while also getting themselves into team fouls by mid-quarter.

 

The returning opening five of Dan, Connor, Mike, Jake and David piled on the points – Mike and Jake scoring threes, with Tom adding his own three and nine other personal points in a very consistent period of play, Tim two from the line and Phil his first basket.  A rattling shot from Tom on the buzzer completed the rout, Eagles now comfortably 93:43 ahead.

 

Woking approached the final period with the shout “hustle”, which, to their credit, they did, though to little real effect, as Eagles continued to score freely, again winning the period by a large margin, 38:15.  Connor and Dan led the scoring, with Jordan adding 8 personal points, including final points in the game.   Team fouls on both teams from around mid-period prolonged the game, though it was clear that the result was never in doubt and the target was more to restrict the Woking score to below 60.  At 131:58, job done.

 

Jake Caudle 13, Phil Tierney 2, Ed Kirwan 4, Tom Iverson 18, Mike Bird 18, Jordan Anderson 8, David Hyde 8, Tim Pointer 8, Dan Ormrod 26, Connor Sugden 26.



 

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 66:65 Guildford Heat

Collingwood College, Camberley

16 January 2010

 

“Cometh the hour, cometh the man” they say; and, in the tightest spot they have found themselves in all season – 3 points adrift with less than 10 seconds on the clock – Brookes Eagles needed a hero to save the match.  Up stepped Mike.  With Eagles swarming frantically around the three point arc in what they knew was the last offence, the ball came to Mike with only 4 seconds left.  Though near the baseline, Mike steadied himself and shot; the ball falling neatly through for three to level the scores.  The Eagles bench stood to a man and roared their approval.

 

But more remarkably, in a neat reflection of Eagle’s opening points in the game, Mike was judged to have been fouled in the act of shooting his three.  Whereas he missed the and-one at the start; Mike nailed it this time, enabling Eagles literally to snatch a one point victory as Heat were unable to score in the remaining couple of seconds.  Emotions on both teams ran high; elation and disappointment making the post match handshake a charged moment.  For Eagles, Mike was the hero who had saved their skins in this match and, more crucially, the league – a second defeat would have seriously undermined their leader’s position.

 

For Guildford this was a bitter defeat.  Determined to avoid the first quarter rout experienced on their first meeting in November, Guildford pressed Eagles aggressively from the tip.  Though Connor won and flipped the ball back to Mike, it was intercepted by Guildford’s captain who scored.  The inbound ball was also turned over immediately for a quick second basket.  

 

Stunned by this turn of events, Eagles endured a wretched first quarter, turning the ball over cheaply, taking slightly desperate shots in the face of determined defence and a fierce press.  Mike’s three and points from Connor kept Eagles in touch, with David adding two after another scrappy hustle and Francis stealing the ball and making a sensible, safe lay-up in a rare glimpse of the team’s usual form.  They were lucky to be only two points adrift at the end of the first quarter.

 

A neat pass from Mike to Jake who shot a three to open the second period seemed to offer a return to Eagles’ dominance; only for Guildford to immediately answer with a three of their own.  The home team were determined to stay in touch, taking advantage of slack defence around the baseline to snatch backdoor points and forcing Eagles to take several attempts at the basket on each offence.  With Francis, Jake and Connor matching points, a three from Tom gave Eagles a slight advantage; while team fouls enabled Connor and Francis to add 4 from 6 at the line.  But at 32:31 at the half, the game was still wide open.

 

Sticking with experienced players, leaving four unplayed on the bench, appeared to pay dividends in the third quarter as Eagles gradually opened a slight lead; threes by Francis and Dan making the score 50:42 by the ninth minute.  But a disputed call by Francis leading to a double technical on him – his fourth and fifth personal fouls – sent Guildford to the stripe where they took 3 from 4 and added a field goal as well to bring them back to within 3 points.  Mike salvaged on point back, but the game was still anyone’s going into the final quarter.

 

Here the initiative swung from Guildford, to Eagles, to Guildford and back, then definitely to Guildford in a run in the seventh minute which took them into a three point lead.  As much as Eagles tried to take advantage of Guildford’s position in team fouls, Guildford answered with points from the field.  With Eagles already two behind, a foul in the tenth minute appeared to be about to seal the result – until the second shot missed and Eagles had the slenderest of chances, needing a three on their final offence to level the scores.

 

Up stepped Mike; Guildford’s team fouls position ensuring the match winning and-one when they fouled the shooter.  What a game! 

 

 

Mike Bird 13, Francis Brobby 12, Jake Caudle 8, David Hyde 2, Tom Iverson 5, Dan Ormrod 7, Connor Sugden 19.





U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 67:77 Barnet Bulldogs

Brookes, Centre for Sport

9 January 2010

 

Barnet clearly turned up determined to avenge their defeat at home by Eagles back in November and to spoil Eagles’ unbeaten run at the top of the South Conference. 

 

The final score does not reflect the closeness of the game until the last minute, with both teams taking the lead for short periods.  However, after Barnet opened with two quick baskets, there was always a slight sense that Eagles were playing catch-up, with only the seven most experienced players gaining court time.   And in the last minutes Barnet did seem to sense that they could edge a win and played with a degree of passion – driven on by loud support – which carried them through.  Eagles’ desperate attempts to stop the game by intentionally fouling exactly mirroring Barnet’s at the end of their previous encounter; with similarly futile results.   Not only did Barnet take all four points from the foul line but, because the fouls were deemed unsportsmanlike, they also regained possession of the ball – not at all what had been intended!

 

Because the table were not ready, the game had to be re-tipped; Connor’s initial winning pat back to Mike being replaced by Barnet taking possession and rapidly scoring.  Taking advantage of Oxford’s continuing slow transition into defence, Barnet slipped in a second before Eagles settled and Dan opened by gently flipping the ball into the net after a long and patient offence.  There followed a series of long offences by both sides with Barnet in particular suffering the frustration of not being able to penetrate tight defence within the 24 seconds allowed.

 

Mike took a 2 and one, followed by a long jumper to Dan and a Mike three, before Tom got in on the act by forcing his way to the basket for two then adding his own three pointer.  Mike also took one from two at the line; 16:15.  Eagles had missed a number of possible baskets along the way – though Barnet were providing no easy routes to score.

 

Despite a call for more effective boxing-out and vigorous hustle by David, Barnet won the second quarter with second shots and rebounds.  After a quiet first quarter, Francis opened with two and David took one from two at the line.  Mike’s second three was followed by a nice interchange between David and Dan who sent in a slamming bank shot, while Connor also opened his account by popping back David’s shot.  Mike’s fade-away jump shot had him down on his back and Connor produced a nicely delayed tip in from a Jake assist.  But all the while Barnet were keeping pace and in the last couple of minutes caught Eagles napping on a series of rapid offences to re-take the lead, 30:32, at the half.

 

The score-rate rose dramatically at the re-start with Connor, Dan and particularly Francis working hard to regain a slender lead before a series of three fouls sent Barnet to the line, from which they took all six points and re-took the lead.  Eagles seemed to be loosing their composure and were rushing their game before Dan and Francis recovered the situation to give them a 56:54 lead going into the final period.

 

Needing to defend from the inside out and speed up transition back to defence, Eagles came out determined with loud support from the bench.  Despite heroic efforts by David, Connor, Dan, Francis with another three and Mike with a three and one, Eagles lacked the precision of play necessary to win.  Twice the ball was cheaply turned over and unopposed lay-ups taken by Barnet, while the visitors also managed to penetrate from the baseline and by generally wrong-footing Oxford.   Most significantly, Barnet were nailing every one of their free throws and it was the final points from the unsportsmanlike fouls in the last minute which finally allowed them to stretch the lead and secure the game – ultimately just running the clock down.

 

A disappointing start to the new year, though, with just the one loss, Eagles still retain the top position in their league.

 

Tom Iverson 5, Mike Bird 18, David Hyde 2, Dan Ormrod 12, Francis Brobby 17, Connor Sugden 13.





U18's catch up reports on Stealers (Ox League), Medway (Cup) and Dorset (League)

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 130:58 Dorset Storm

Rossmore Leisure Centre

19 December 2009

 

With a number of the regular U18 squad unavailable, Jordan and Greg stepped up from the U16s to join in this comprehensive dismissal of Dorset Storm in the last Brookes Eagles fixture before Christmas – and the Christmas Party.  Against a team languishing at the bottom of the League, without a win, the Coaches were able to rotate the bench freely, allowing the core of next season’s U18 squad to play on court together for several minutes and enabling all players to get onto the score sheet. 

 

Eagles quickly stamped their mark on the game with Tom opening after some effective passing around the Dorset key, followed by Jake and Mike each stealing, driving and laying up on almost identical consecutive offences.  Although Eagles should, arguably, have established a far greater lead during the first quarter, play was notable for the level of assists as Tom, Connor, Mike, Jake, Dan and Tim steadily added points.

 

Increased pressure and a 2-3 zone saw Eagles dominate the second period, scoring 28 points in the first nine minutes with only three in reply.   Though Brookes did allow Dorset a brief window in the final minute to recover slightly, the quarter was notable for the fact that the whole Bench enjoyed court time and all players scored.

 

Returning to the starting five under Captain Dan, Eagles continued to pile the pressure on in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 50 points before Dorset were able to reply with a basket from their key player, 15.

 

Taking a 56 point lead into the final period, Coach Baker took advantage of the presence of Jordan and Greg to field them alongside Phil, Tim and Arnie – who, with Tom, will form the core of next year’s U18 squad.  On inspired form, Phil led all scoring in the quarter with 9 points; before Mike answered for the old school with a final buzzer beating three.

 

A comprehensive victory to round off a great first half of the League season, leaving Oxford Brookes Eagles the only team unbeaten in the League with 8 wins, 24 points and a points difference of 433 - well ahead of their nearest competitors Barnet Bulldogs (7 and 2) who, however, they face at home on the 9th January in the first fixture of 2010.

  

Jake Caudle 12, Phil Tierney 11, Jordan Sandiford 6, Tom Iverson 11, Mike Bird 17, Greg Abel 6, Tim Pointer 14, Dan Ormrod 17, Connor Sugden 26, Arnie Akcal 10.


 

U18 Men Sureshot Cup

Brookes Eagles U18 71:82 Medway Park Crusaders

White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre, Abingdon

13 December 2009

 

Punching well above their weight against a successful South Premiership team, Eagles initially held their own, winning the first and third quarters and only narrowly loosing the second.  But when the Crusaders turned the heat up in the fourth, with tighter defence and more determined offence, Eagles lost their way and could not find the ring or make their outside shots fall.  In the end they bowed out of the Sureshot Cup with a scoreline that does not really do justice to their efforts or reflect their quality as a team.  Individually, Eagles were, arguably, the more skilful; but Crusaders had a strong team mentality which carried them through and drove them on despite being well behind at the start of the final quarter.

 

In retrospect, though Connor won the tip, the opening seconds of the game pre-echoed the final result: Crusaders came onto court with a very loud and positive shout, to very vocal support; they offered tight defence, against which Eagles ran out of time on the shot clock on their first offence; and Eagles’ were forced to attempt an outside shot which rimmed out while Crusaders were able to snatch an inside basket. 

 

Crusaders played a very physical game through-out, eventually causing two of their players to foul out, but also drawing in David causing him ultimately to re-join the bench.  Eagles were unable consistently to turn their many visits to the foul line into points, dropping a potential 18 points all told.  Eagles were also often caught in slow transition back to defence, picking up their players too close to the basket and struggling to defend against a trademark Crusader hook shot – untidy but effective.

 

After their initial points, Crusaders were unable to make progress against lively defence from Eagles, with Mike and Francis establishing a narrow lead by mid-period – by which point Crusaders were already on team fouls.  Though unable to take any points from their foul shots, Eagles did seem to settle with Dan taking a neat basket and Francis scoring one-handed from the baseline and snatching a three with his next offence with only two seconds on the clock.  Mike followed up with a jump shot and Tom with a determined drive.  Two more from the line and a Francis basket seemed to establish the start of a lead going into the second period, 19:15.  Crusaders had only kept in touch with a couple of optimistic threes. 

 

But, at the restart, they quickly reversed events, repeatedly finding a gap in Eagles’ defence.  In the second quarter it was Eagles who hung on with threes from Francis and Jake; Connor, Mike and Tom adding points where they could against a steady run of points to the opposition.

 

At the start of the second half, 41:42 down and urged by their Coaches to win the game on defence, Eagles limited Crusaders’ ability to penetrate so close to the basket while adding points at the other end – though again failing to take full advantage of very many visits to the foul line.  A turnaround from Tom and jumper from Dan were immediately answered by the opposition, before successful free throws by Mike followed by a three, a Connor rebound on Francis’ drive and another basket by Mike established a 55:46 lead.  In the final three minutes, with Crusaders again on team fouls, all Eagles’ remaining 8 points in the quarter came from Mike, Tom, Francis and Jake at the foul line – Crusaders only keeping in touch with a lone three in the final minute.  Eagles were hustling well to break down the Crusaders’ offence.  All seemed settled fair for a win, provided Eagles took good care of the ball in the final period.

 

Crusaders had other ideas and had evened up the scores within the first minute and a half.  There followed tense swapping of baskets, before the greater push and determination of Crusaders saw them edge ahead, closing out the game in the final minutes with four field goals without reply as Eagles were forced to take outside shots and scurry back to defend against the faster transition of their opponents.   In the end, the fresher and more determined team won out.

 

Eagles have had another excellent run in the Sureshot Cup, claiming a number of Premiership scalps along the way, which does them and the Conference great credit.

 

Jake Caudle 5, Tom Iverson 9, Mike Bird 17, Dan Ormrod 4, Francis Brobby 21, Connor Sugden 15.


 

Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 105:80 Oxford Stealers

Abingdon & Witney College, Abingdon

9 December 2009

 

In a flurry of games ahead of the Christmas break, Eagles U18s came away with two wins – in the Oxford and National leagues – and one loss – in the SureShot Cup, ending their interest in this competition with a real tussle with Medway Park Crusaders.

  

In their two previous encounters, in the local Cup, Eagles had played hard to overcome the experience of the array of players that Oxford presented.  The expectation was that Oxford would bring along a team with new faces determined to reverse this trend.  While some of the faces were new – albeit well known to the Eagles – Stealers didn’t seem to have the determination or stamina to take control of the game.  Apart from a flurry of field goals in the first half of the fourth quarter, the majority of Stealers’ points were taken at the free throw line; in contrast Eagles were scoring well from the field – rather better than when sent to the line.

 

Connor and Dan established an early lead, with good assistance from Mike and Francis and notable rejections by David, forcing Stealers to take hurried and inaccurate shots and run foul of the shot clock.  A brief run of points by the Oxford guards was ended by a three and two further points from Francis.  David, Connor, Ed and Francis each added another basket to end the quarter with Eagles 27:18 ahead.

 

Eagles continued to look the better team through the second and third periods.  As players came off the bench they quickly settled and worked well together: Tom opening the second quarter with points from the foul line and the field, including a three; while Francis continued to add baskets, with a three of his own, and Mike opened his points account mid-period.  Ed assisted David, though David was not able to take full advantage from the free throw line.  With Connor and Dan back in the mix in the third, Eagles continued to stretch the lead, Francis adding a three and Mike a three and four consecutive points from the foul line.  Jake added two quick baskets to end the third quarter 77:51 in the home team’s favour – with the Oxford ‘big man’ crucially on 4 personal fouls and the Stealers generally looking tired.

 

Appearances proved to be deceptive as Oxford came out in the fourth with a passion previously unseen, starting with two threes and going on to narrow the home lead to 14 points.  However, threes from Dan and Mike, and two baskets from Francis in reply stemmed the flood and enabled Eagles to take control of the game again, running in with their own run of points courtesy of Mike, Dan, David and Francis.  A good win with a reduced team, all who played getting onto the score sheet; but more importantly all playing together well as a team.

 

Jake Caudle 4, Ed Kirwan 2, Tom Iverson 8, Mike Bird 21, David Hyde 8,  Dan Ormrod 17, Francis Brobby 31, Connor Sugden 14, Arnie Akcal injured DNP.




 

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 92:48 Solent Kestrels II

Quilley School of Engineering, Eastleigh

5 December 2009

 

Eagles proved mightier than Kestrels once again in their second League meeting, winning each quarter and taking the match comfortably.  This notwithstanding some inconsistent refereeing which led to comments from the Eagles players and Bench, causing two technicals; and rings that were neither level, flexible nor attached to stable backboards.  For both teams, many longer shots rebounded where they should have gone in; one Kestrels free throw actually starting to fall before catching the rim and spinning out again.  Dunks from Connor and lay-ups from Jake, which should have fallen, span uselessly away.

 

Connor won the tip for Eagles with a long ball back to Mike and, although initial offences failed to add points – the ball rebounding off the unstable rings - Francis opened the scoring with two from two at the foul line.  Good defence and energetic offensive rebounding ensured that Eagles held the initiative; effective pressing even preventing Solent from clearing the ball from their half in the required 8 seconds on one occasion.  Though the hoops favoured the less orthodox shot, Francis, Mike, David and Connor steadily added points, often with and-ones.  Successive threes from Jake and Francis, and a long jump shot from Mike in the final seconds, ended the quarter with Eagles in command 29:11.

 

The second period saw increased intensity from Eagles, with Tom, Ed and Dan stepping up: Ed creating chances with energetic hustle and commitment; while Tom really hit his shooting form and Dan enjoyed a purple patch in the eighth minute.  Tim was also rewarded with a neat jump shot just ahead of the buzzer to end the half with Eagles firmly in charge at 51:23.

 

The third quarter became a more physical affair as Solent fought to get back in the game and, for a while, this seemed to be an effective approach, causing several Oxford players to incur personal fouls.  Eagles held on: David, Ed and Francis scoring answering baskets.  But the physical play had also put Kestrels on team fouls for the last couple of minutes, allowing Jake, Tom and Ed to score from the foul line, with Dan adding a single field goal.  As a result Eagles shaved the quarter 17:15.

 

Though marred by a technical foul on the Coach for Bench comments which the referees deemed as undermining their authority, the final period belonged again to Eagles, with Tom leading the scoring, ably assisted by Ed – who maintained his energetic play throughout, Jake and Dan – who also sunk one of his trademark long side jump shots.  Phil enjoyed several minutes on court; Arnie was rewarded with his first points for a nice one-handed lay-up; Tim took two points converting a long forward pass; and Mike rounded off the match with a well deserved basket just before the final buzzer.

 

If not a classic game, it was an effective win, which leaves Eagles 7 and 0 at the head of the League with just one more League fixture to play in 2009 against bottom placed Dorset Storm on 19 December.

 

Jake Caudle 8, Ed Kirwan 9, Tom Iverson 19, Mike Bird 10, David Hyde 6, Tim Pointer 4, Dan Ormrod 9, Francis Brobby 20, Connor Sugden 5, Arnie Akcal 2.


 

Oxford & Chiltern Men’s Cup; 2nd Leg

Brookes Eagles U18 71:65 Oxford Stealers

Abingdon College

25th November 2009

 

 

Eagles brought forward a 28 point lead from the 1st leg of this Oxford League Cup tie – a buffer which, in the event, they did not need to rely on to take them through to the next round.  They played with assurance against a six man team who appeared to lack any real intensity or desire to turn the tables. 

 

In the run up to the second leg, there had been considerable discussion between both teams on eligibility according to the rules of the League.  This excluded a couple of Brookes players who had not fulfilled the required court time; but, more significantly, it also prevented Stealers from bringing in one or two players who had the potential to swing this one match-up and take them through to the next round of the Cup.  This seemed to rob them of real passion throughout the game and, while they did secure a three point lead two-thirds of the way through the third quarter, they never looked like match winners.

 

Eagles took the first quarter decisively 24:15.  As both teams traded points, Francis and Jake gave Eagles the edge with three threes mid-period, Dan also contributing from a neat lay-up and one from two at the line.  Stealers were relying on powerful forward passes to waiting players which did secure them a number of ‘cheap’ baskets, but equally enabled Eagles to drive relatively uncontested – a situation which favoured Francis’ style as he worked his way to a Bench topping 30 personal points in the game.

 

The second quarter also opened brightly for Eagles, with Francis and Jake continuing their winning partnership – Jake scoring another three after a patient set up.  Tom also took a three as his first points, dramatically sinking it right on the 24-second buzzer.  While Ed stole an inbound ball under Stealers’ basket to score and open his account.  Though Stealers staged a mini-recovery, Connor and Mike made sure that Eagles again took the quarter and increased their lead at the half to 44:31.

 

With David notching up his 4th personal foul early in the third, Stealers took the initiative and went on a substantial run with only Dan and Arnie replying for the home team.  But by the seventh minute the effort seemed to have been too much and the final three minutes belonged to youth as Eagles reversed a 3 point deficit to end the quarter 4 points to the good.

 

Going into the final period, with a massive 33 points needed to win, Stealers seemed to settle for just trying to win this leg, pushing Eagles hard but without conviction.  With a call to play smart from their Coach, Eagles patiently took points where they could – lead by Arnie and Francis, playing their game and eventually shading the quarter by two.

 

This victory takes Brookes Eagles through to the next round of the Cup against Thame in January.

 

 

Jake Caudle 12, Ed Kirwan 2, Tom Iverson 4, Mike Bird 4, Dan Ormrod 6, Francis Brobby 30, Connor Sugden 2, Arnie Akcal 11.


 

U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 114:27 Reading Rockets II

Brookes Centre for Sport

21 November 2009

 

Oxford Brookes Eagles comprehensively dismissed a poor Reading Rockets side lacking their usual point guard and leading scorer and without their regular coach.  The quarter scores say it all: 32:6, 26:12, 34:5 and 22:4.  To their credit Reading never gave up despite not scoring in the last eight minutes of the game.  They constantly harried an Eagles side who found it difficult to lift their own game to the levels of which they are capable.

 

Highlights of the game were the range of blocked shots and attractive baskets, with the Bench supplying a string of witty assessments for the attention of Coach and Manager alike.  Thus Mike’s first balletic basket gained the ultimate accolade “sick!”; while Tim’s reverse lay-up on the final buzzer of the third quarter was declared “lovely”!  Francis offered his usual laconic commentary on the opposition while David did what he always does best, emphatic rejections.  Tom, Arnie and Tim also blocked the ball at crucial moments, both hustling hard during their minutes on court. 

 

However, the highlight has to be Connor’s mighty rejection against the home backboard in the middle of the third period.  The ball rebounded so hard that it flew up the court to be collected by Mike who sent it on towards Francis for a two handed dunk which had to Bench roaring their approval. 

 

Despite brief periods of frantic activity, Reading were largely unable to penetrate the Eagles’ defence, frequently incurring a 24 second violation and routinely being penalised for travelling.  This enabled established Oxford players to polish their trademark skills: Jake scoring two long threes and a range of closer jump shots; Mike using his quick hands to turn the ball over, drive and score; Dan scoring with his jump shot; Ed working hard at point; and Francis and Connor quietly putting away basket after basket without undue effort.  It also enabled Coach Baker to rotate the Bench from an early point in the game, providing some interesting player match-ups and allowing all players onto the score sheet. 

 

Not a classic game, certainly, but an enjoyable outing, with everyone on the squad contributing something positive to the, perhaps inevitable, outcome.

 

 

Jake Caudle 17, Phil Tierney 2, Ed Kirwan 5, Tom Iverson 6, Mike Bird 10, Jordan Anderson 2, David Hyde 7, Tim Pointer 12, Dan Ormrod 9, Francis Brobby 20, Connor Sugden 18, Arnie Akcal 6.


U18 Men Sureshot Cup

Brookes Eagles U18 85:77 MK Lions

White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre, Abingdon

15 November 2009

 

This victory against the mid-table southern premiership side, MK Lions, takes Brookes Eagles through to the third round of the U18 Sure Shot Cup and a match up with Medway Park Crusaders at Abingdon on 13th December.

 

Eagles opened in fine style, winning the tip.  While the first offence did not yield points, it set the pattern for the first quarter: rapid breaks and sharp shooting from the Eagles, with the Lions keeping in touch through the occasional successful, but forced, outside shot.  With Dan shooting effectively and Connor working well inside, star of the show was Mike who opened with a long jump shot off a pass from David, followed by a rattling three pointer and two swishes from the free throw line – the start of a season-high personal best total of 21 points in the game.

 

Lions had arrived with only half a team – the others arriving during the second quarter from their own under-16 fixture – and seemed to lack heart against the taller and very effective looking Eagles.  Indeed they were unable to score after the sixth minute of the quarter, stopped by determined double-teaming and a strong defensive zone which forced two 24-second violations.  David’s two and one in the final four seconds of the first period cemented Oxford’s dominance, creating a 24:14 lead.

 

A rapid basket by the nippy Lions point guard seemed to take Eagles by surprise at the re-start; but a basket by Jake, a poised three by Dan and a good put-back by Connor partially re-asserted Eagles’ control.  In a time-out, Coach Baker picked up his players for loosing some of their earlier bite and shape – a message which seemed to hit home; Dan taking a stylish two, Jake a long, slow three (the first of two in this period) followed by a put-back on a shot from Mike – who himself swished a three, before David made a big rejection on a Lions shot. 

 

Though Lions had not really troubled Eagles offensively for much of the quarter, once in team fouls, in the final minutes they suddenly seemed to wake up and started to play with more conviction, swamping Oxford players and stemming the run of field goals - all the final points in the quarter coming from the foul line.  Though Eagles took the quarter relatively comfortably, 26:19, to establish a 50:33 lead at the half, it was clear that the game was still not a done deal as far as MK Lions were concerned.

 

The third quarter seemed to open well with Connor putting back Dan’s shot.  But repeated inconclusive offences without score, while not ceding points to the opposition, did suggest Lions had raised their game.  The cheers which greeted Francis’ breaking of the points drought in the 4th minute, indicating a sense of unease about where the initiative now lay in the game.  Though Mike continued to impress with a range of shots, supported by Dan and Connor and, latterly, Tom; from the mid-period, Lions started to dictate the play, gradually reducing their deficit and shading the quarter 18:20.

 

This continued into the final period.  Oxford simply had to defend their 68:53 lead by protecting the ball, patient offences and restricting turnovers.   But Lions needed points and they put a firm press on Eagles, rather panicing the home team.  Though Francis and Tom added points with contributions from Dan and Connor, Lions were scoring more freely, adding 14 points with only two in reply in the final minutes – Tom’s basket close to the final buzzer restoring Eagles’ pride.  Lions took the final quarter 17:24 – a reversal of fortunes which cut their loss to only 8 points: too close for comfort for a relieved bench and vocal home supporters.

 

Jake Caudle 10, Tom Iverson 6, Mike Bird 21, David Hyde 3, Dan Ormrod 15, Francis Brobby 13, Connor Sugden 17.





Saturday, 14 November: v. Eastside Eagles (National League)

Eagles 61 (Q1: 18, Q2: 18, Q3: 19, Q4: 6)
Eastside 73 (Q1: 15, Q2: 19, Q3: 11, Q4: 28)

 

Brookes lost 73 to 61 and currently sit third in the table with 11 points.

 

After playing well and leading the points at the end of the first three quarters of the game Brookes, entered the home stretch with a ten point lead. Eastside came out strong after the break, managing to put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. The composure Brookes had in the third disappeared completely resulting in both the defensive and offensive games crumbling. Brookes could only manage six points, while Eastside piled on a massive 28 points.

 

The game started a little nervously and Eastside were the first to put a point on the board from the charity line. Brookes quickly followed with two points from a free throw. The quarter quickly settled down into a rhythm of the two sides trading point for point until Brookes opened up a four point lead in the 5th & 6th minute after Bradley scored, drawing a foul; making the free throw and Stanley scored field goal. Brookes then hung onto most of this lead through further field goals from Stanley and Olivier. Other points in the 1st quarter came from Ollie and Bradley.

 

The second quarter started with Brookes adding four points in the opening minute; these came from George and Stanley. Daniel then added another six in quick succession. Eastside responded strongly, reducing the Brookes lead to just two points at the half-time buzzer. Points in this quarter also came from Ben and Leo.

 

The opening minutes of the second half was very unsettling with play (and points) going with Eastside (8 points to our 2 in the 1st three minutes). Brookes responded positively to the pressure, composed themselves and proceeded to dominate the remainder of the quarter; Eastside could only add a further three points to their tally while Brookes added 17. The scorers were Stanley, Olivier, Ollie, Jordan and Gavin.

 

Individual scores

Name

Points

Name

Points

Jordan Sandiford

4

Bradley Loxton

6

Ben Francis

2

Ollie Clayton

12

Olivier Jacquelin

4

Daniel Ghadami

8

George Webb

2

Leo Kerrigan

4

Gavin Fielding

2

Stanley Bijura

17




U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 110: 75 Guildford Heat

Brookes University, Centre for Sport

7 November 2009

 

Guildford Heat arrived at Brookes with a 3 and 0 winning run and a good number of vocal supporters.  Winning the tip and quickly drawing a foul, they took the first point in the game.  However, on subsequent offences it soon became clear that they were very much in awe of the Eagles; rushing to put up the ball against a strong defence and turning the ball over cheaply, enabling Eagles to swoop down and take points on the break. 

 

Indeed, after the match, one of the team managers commented at how their teams’ heads had gone down when they had first seen the Eagles warming up.  For much of the match it seemed as though Heat didn’t know what to do to counter the home team.  Only in the last three or four minutes did Guildford find their rhythm scoring a remarkable 20 points to make their score-line look far more respectable, actually winning the final period 18:29.

 

But this was too little, too late.  Eagles took the first period 32:5, edged the second 27:25 and won the third 33:18.  Though it was good defence that won the game, on offence Eagles displayed an impressive range of shooting from across the bench.  The opening five of David, Dan, Connor, Mike and Francis quickly established a lead with some poised jump shots; steals, drives and careful lay-ups and finger-rolls; accurate shots from the foul line; topped off by three pointers from first Mike then Francis.

 

This pattern of play continued in the second quarter, with Coach Baker able to start to rotate the bench.  As the lead stretched towards 51:17, Eagles were really working well as a team; on one offence the ball was confidently and patiently passed around the Guildford key from Ed Kirwan to Jake to David to Tom who finally scored the points.  Only in the last two minutes did Oxford relax the pressure, allowing Heat to come back slightly and leave the score 59:30 at the half.

 

On the re-start, Francis made his intentions clear with the first of five threes in the quarter, three of them on successive offences.  Though Guildford replied with two of their own, another three by Mike and a steady run of points by Dan, David and Conner continued to build a substantial lead, 92:48 at the end of the third.  Mike was dominant at the start of the fourth, with two baskets and his final three, taking the score to 99, before assisting Ed Kirwan to take it over the hundred.

 

With a key Guildford player fouling out mid-period, Ed Garbutt stepped onto the floor and quickly established his presence under the Guildford basket with three baskets, Jake and Arnie adding points along the way.

 

Despite Guildford’s late revival, this was a confident display which confirmed Eagles’ unbeaten position at the head of their league.

 

 

Arnie Ackal 2, Mike Bird 25, Francis Brobby 30, Jake Caudle 1, Ed Garbutt 6, David Hyde 11, Tom Iverson 10, Ed Kirwan 4, Dan Ormrod 6, Connor Sugden 15.






Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 83:67 Brize Norton

Abingdon & Witney College, Abingdon

4 November 2009

 

For Eagles’ players and supporters this was the ultimate satisfying come-back game.  Few would have imagined, at 9:26 down at the end of the first, that Eagles would rise again to take all the remaining quarters 17:6, 22:14 and 35:20.

 

On their arrival and warm-up Brize Norton exuded experience, great self-belief and confidence that this fixture was theirs for the taking.  By contrast there was a hint of nervous expectation amongst Eagles.  The first quarter seemed to support this balance of expectations, with Brize winning the tip and dominating the game with powerful passing around the Eagles’ key followed by decisive and successful moves to the basket, often along the baseline.  By contrast Eagles were having problems finding their opponent’s basket, zone defence forcing long shots which missed or rimmed out for the first 5 minutes.   A successful three by Mike followed by two more baskets did give Eagles some hope; though the only other basket in the quarter was a rebound by Connor off a shot by Francis.

 

At the start of the second period, despite Brize continuing to play their game, Eagles were given heart by a couple of three pointers from Francis and Jake; quickly followed by some excellent passing from Jake to Mike to Tom who took the two points, and Francis patting back a shot which threatened to bounce out.  Tighter defence and several handy rejections had stopped the Brize offence and by the eighth minute the score was looking a more respectable 19:30. 

 

At this point Jake twice stole the ball and drove to the basket virtually unchallenged, providing Eagles with the key to winning the game: Brize, by now looking distinctly puffed, were not going to defend man to man, but hoped to win by simply scoring more.  If Eagles could defend strongly and score on the fast break or by patiently laying siege to their opponents’ basket, then they could win.  With this awareness growing, Dan ended a very successful quarter for the Eagles with a three after a long and patient build up and the Brookes bench was a far happier and buoyant place at the half than it had been before.

 

Refreshed by the break, Brize came out with two quick baskets.  But Dan opened for Eagles with an elegantly poised jump shot and Ed exploited Brize’s weakness with a steal and unopposed lay-up.  Threes by Francis and Tom, and two from two at the line by Tom brought the match level at 40:40 by mid-period, after which the teams tussled for advantage; two further threes by Francis and a basket for Dan keeping Eagles just ahead of Brize – despite four missed foul shots!

 

At 48:46, there was everything to play for at the start of the fourth quarter and Coach Baker urged his players to pick up the pace on transition to exploit Brize’s weakness, hustle hard and draw fouls and to work inside.  Francis quickly replied to a Brize three with one of his own and a two, followed by an excellent rejection by Arnie.  Jake then swept in with two baskets of his own; followed by a long slow three taken by Mike.  Francis and Jake each attacked the hoop once more to give Brookes a healthy 64:55 lead at the half way point in the quarter. 

 

At which point Mike was sent to the line for four shots – all of which he sunk – after which, with their tails up and Brize increasingly arguing amongst themselves, Francis, Jake and Mike continued to pour in the points; Captain Dave adding the final two in the final seconds.  In all a remarkable come-back which will prove valuable game experience.

 

Mike Bird 17,  Francis Brobby 25, Jake Caudle 19, David Hyde 4,

Tom Iverson 7, Ed Kirwan 2, Dan Ormrod 7, Connor Sugden 2.





U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 77:62 Barnet Bulldogs

Woodhouse College

1 November 2009

 

In terms of league position, this was a need-to-win game.  After one loss early in the season, Barnet had won all their games and posed a potential challenge to Oxford’s position as league leaders. 

 

The Barnet threat comes from their strong inside play, which repeatedly punished lax defence in this game, keeping them in touch with the more varied play from Eagles.  Indeed, for the first three quarters of the match the teams were nip and tuck with just a slight advantage to Eagles in the first two periods and to Bulldogs in the third.  The closeness of the game was reflected in Coach Baker’s decision to play the most experienced from his bench.

 

Though Barnet won the tip, they were initially unable to convert their offences into points and Francis quickly sunk two baskets and a rattling ‘and one’.  Mike floated in a two before Francis came back with a long three.  Good team work, Dan to David and Francis to Dan, put more points on the board until the score stood at 14:4 to Eagles with 5:12 on the clock at a time-out.  This break seemed to disrupt Oxford’s flow and galvanise Barnet, who came racing back in the second half of the period and much of the second quarter, even establishing a one or two point lead.  But the final minute of the half saw Connor bag his first two baskets and right on the buzzer Francis sunk a dramatic long three to give Eagles their 43:36 lead.

 

Eagles recovered the initiative at the start of the third with vocal support from the bench with David putting the ball away strongly, Francis landing a long two, Connor converting an assist from Dan and Dan himself landing a jumper from a very shallow angle along the baseline.  But the Bulldogs lived up to their name and came back strongly to level the score at 52, before Connor and Francis reasserted control taking 4 from 4 at the foul line. 

 

 

Even in the final quarter there seemed to be little to separate the two sides, though the fact that two of the more physical Barnet players, 12 and 21, were on 4 personal fouls for all of the quarter did restrict their attempts to penetrate the tighter Brookes defensive zone.  More determined boxing out from further out proved the key to unsettling Barnet in the final period, allowing Eagles to edge ahead.

 

Missing three foul shots and forced to attempt outside shots as the clock was running down created an air of desperation amongst the Bulldogs which caused them to loose focus and allowed Eagles, in the person of Mike, to rip through to the basket.  He scored all 11 of Oxford’s final points, including a three, without reply from Barnet for whom desperation turned to reckless physicality.

 

A second or so from the final buzzer the referee failed to call an obvious foul by Barnet on Oxford, despite this occurring right in front of Oxford supporters.  Initially claiming it was no foul, but in response to protests he then admitted a foul had occurred but said he was not intending to call it as the game was almost over.  Further remonstration by the Eagles Coach led to an unprofessional response which called into question the coach’s knowledge of the game and truthfulness, eventually branding him the biggest a***h@*e the referee had ever met! 

 

A bizarre and disappointing end to a close and exciting game, a victory which now puts Eagles firmly in charge at the top of the South Conference league.

 

Mike Bird 22, Francis Brobby 23,
Jake Caudle 2, David Hyde 4,
Tom Iverson 2, Dan Ormrod 12,
Connor Sugden 12.





Saturday, 24 October: v. Essex Pirates (National League)

Eagles 65 (Q1: 16, Q2: 20, Q3: 10, Q4: 19)
Essex Pirates 35 (Q1: 11, Q2: 10, Q3: 8, Q4: 6)
.

 

Eagles won their 2nd league game 65 to 35 and currently are joint second in the table behind Baddow Eagles with a game in hand.
Greg put two points on the board for the Eagles in the first minute from the free throw line. However, we weren’t able to fully capitalise on this and impose our game on the opposition.  In what was a rather unsettled performance we finished the first quarter ahead by a slender five points. Additional contributions came from Jordan, Ollie, Tim and Ben. The second quarter performance was slightly more assured, with the Eagles outscoring the Pirates two to one and this after a fire alarm requiring both teams to leave the hall. Greg opened up with a field goal, quickly followed by a single by Ollie from the free throw line. Stanley, Jordan, Dani, and Bradley also put points on the board.

After the short half time break we come out very poorly, allowing the Pirates to almost match us point for point (Pirates 8, Eagles 10) and giving them the opportunity to get back in the game. The points came from Greg, Ollie, Tim and Ben. The final quarter performance was much more assured with the Eagles putting three points on the board to every one from the Pirates, and Jordan topping off his afternoon’s work with a 3-pointer. The remainder of our 19 points came from Ben, Tim, Ollie, Bradley and Stanley.

In conclusion, it was a rather a scrappy game where we played, as a team, below our potential. We eventually came out winners as a result of fewer mistakes and making more shots on the basket.

Jordan Sandiford

12

Bradley Loxton

4

Ollie Clayton

11

Ben Francis

14

Dani Ghadimi

4

Tim Fuller

8

Greg Abel

8

Stanley Bijura

4


U18 Men Sureshot Cup

Brookes Eagles U18 94:70 Ipswich Tomcats

White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre, Abingdon

25 October 2009

 

In this closely fought Cup match, the initiative flowed first to Eagles then to the Tomcats before two three pointers from Tom and Francis in the opening minutes of the third seemed to open the game up for the home side.  Eagles took the quarter decisively 29:16.  Four successive threes from Francis, Tom and Mike in the second half of the fourth put victory beyond Ipswich’s reach and ensured that Eagles will move into the next round playing either Southend or Milton Keynes on 15 November.

 

Connor won the tip for the home side and Francis opened all scoring with a tipping back in of his own shot.  This confident start was rather undermined by a tendency to let the ball slip through hands and by determined and vocal defence by the Tomcats.  Ipswich were also pressing hard, forcing turnovers and travels and, with some poised shots were able to edge a one point lead, answering each Brookes basket with one of their own.  A rejection by David enabling Mike to drive and score; and a two-handed dunk by Connor kept Eagles’ hopes alive that they could, at some point, pull away from Ipswich. 

 

And, in the final couple of minutes of the quarter this is what they achieved, starting with a powerful put back by David and some perfect passing play to Dan who finished cleanly for two.  Francis and Jake had mixed fortunes at the free throw line, but were respectively able to add an uncontested two and a three-pointer to give Eagles a solid 26:15 lead at the end of the first quarter.

 

In response, Ipswich laid siege to the Eagles basket at the start of the second period, restricting their ability to clear the inbound ball and score, quickly putting the home side on team fouls and clawing back the points.   As Coach Baker noted, the opposition were feeding off Eagles mistakes: typical tomcat behaviour!  By the sixth minute, Ipswich retook the lead and appeared to be ready to stretch it, when Tom took one from two at the line.  As if re-energised by this, both Jake and Tom sunk successive threes and Tom took another one from two to give Eagles a slender 41:39 lead going into the half time break.  David’s rejection shortly after Tom had given Eagles back a one point lead drew loud applause from both bench and supporters and signalled that Eagles were back in the game.

 

The two threes from Tom and Francis at the start of the third which opened up the match for Eagles were added to by points for Dan, Connor and Ed, though the quarter really belonged to Francis as he nailed 13 personal points on his way to his magnificent 37 for the whole game.  Occasional lapses in defence did allow Ipswich to add more points than they should have, but the 29:16 margin was decisive.  It knocked the wind out of the Ipswich sails as did the four threes in the fourth.  Though David fouled out after registering another great rejection, Jake snuck a basket in on the three second mark to give Eagles victory, 94:70.  Comfortable in the end, this was a tough match up against a well-drilled and energetic side; a foretaste of Cup games to come.

 

Mike 7, Francis  37, Jake 10, David 2, “TI “ 14, Ed 2,

Dan O 8, Connor 14.



U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 117:52 Dorset Storm

Brookes University Centre for Sport

24 October 2009

 

When the Dorset Storm eventually blew into the Centre for Sport, having swirled around Oxford for a while, they only had five players; the remaining players on the score sheet presumably lost at sea.  And while not really living up to their name, loosing every quarter by at least a ten point margin, to their credit they did maintain a steady breeze which ruffled the feathers of the Eagles throughout.  The home side never really stepped up to the high quality, fast and incisive basketball that they are capable of.  That said, this was a third substantial win for the Eagles, putting them top of their Conference table at 3:0 with a healthy 180 points difference; well ahead of their nearest challengers, Barnet Bulldogs, whom they play next Sunday.

 

Connor won the tip with a classic flick back to Mike at Point.  While the first two offences failed to secure points, Eagles’ tight defence caused Dorset to incur the first of their many 24 second violations in the game.  Storm took the first point from the foul line before Eagles came back with a 15 point run to put their stamp firmly on the match.  Though there were some ‘clean’ baskets – a three from Mike, David stealing and passing forward to a well-placed Jake, and Mike forwarding a high pass to Dan – the first half of the quarter was notable for scrabbled rebounding and eventual put-backs, with David also picking up three quick personal fouls.

 

A Dorset time-out enabled Eagles to re-focus and to take charge of the second half of the quarter, with Francis, Arnie and Jordan adding points to those from Connor, Mike, Jake, David and Dan. 

 

But the 32:12 lead did not impress Coach Baker who called for much sharper passes and quicker ball movement in the second period.  Francis, Arnie and Jordan stepped up with Connor to power the Eagles scoreline ahead, only allowing Storm two field goals for the first nine minutes – though they were able snatch the odd points and a three in the last few seconds.

 

At 63:24 at the half, the result was not really in doubt, though Francis quickly picked up his fourth personal foul in the first minute of the third quarter.   Ed opened the period with two from two at the line and later co-ordinated well with Mike and Tim to sink a clean basket. Tim himself added two baskets to his tally and assisted Mike and Jake to score again. 

Initially Dorset struggled to find a way through to the basket, but in the second part of the quarter developed some momentum for their best period of the game, including a three.  This was soon answered by a three from Mike and by baskets from Jake and Dan. 

 

Towards the end of the third, Phil came on hustling strongly, a pattern of play he continued in the fourth, being rewarded with three baskets, including taking the team to 100 and adding final points.  David returned to add four to his tally, while Jordan, Jake and Francis contributed strongly.  Connor also struck home with two successive three pointers and an excellent rejection.  Meanwhile Dorset were again falling foul of the 24 second clock.  Only a final three restored some balance to their score and took them over fifty. 

 

While, arguably, Eagles should have scored more and restricted Storm to below fifty, this was a deserved win with all players scoring, which establishes Brookes Eagles as the team to beat in their league.

 

Arnie Akcal 10, Jordan Anderson 8, Mike Bird 14, Francis Brobby 20, Jake Caudle 14, David Hyde 8, Ed Kirwan 4, Dan Ormrod 6, Tim Pointer 6, Connor Sugden 21, Phil Tierney 6.



Oxford & Chiltern Men’s Cup; 1st Round

Brookes Eagles U18 101:73 Oxford Stealers

Cheney School, Oxford

22nd October 2009

 

Drawing Oxford Stealers in the Cup seemed difficult proposition for the U18 Eagles squad.  Stealers are a formidable bunch of experienced and tough players who have propelled their club to considerable success over the years.  But the Eagles swept in and stole the show with 40 minutes of determined, creative and fast moving basketball which left the slower, older Stealers standing.

 

Connor won the tip and was unlucky not to take first points.  Stealers took this honour but were immediately answered by a high looping basket from Jake.  Mike also landed a high jump shot and David a powerful put back, before Jake scored the first of Eagles’ 11 threes of the evening.  With Connor and David working to contain the Stealers’ big men, Dan was able to take a racing drive to the basket from an assist by Jake, while Connor, Jake and Mike added further points.  Tom’s basket in the final minute, though answered by a long three, gave Eagles a 21:17 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

 

Already it was becoming apparent that the slow and heavy offence from the Stealers was no match for the lively defence and rapid transition of Eagles.  Stealers’ shooting was also wide of the target and they were frequently turning the ball over.

 

Though Stealers took two relatively undefended baskets at the start of the second period, Eagles made this quarter their own, with Mike on sparkling form knocking down four successive three-pointers from all around the arc.  Mike and Connor were adding points and rebounding effectively while Dan had the bench holding its breath with a shot which bounced high off the rim before dieing and falling sweetly through for two.  Though Stealers lived up to their name with a sneaky three within four seconds of the buzzer, Mike’s threes had opened the game up in Eagles’ favour.  At the half Eagles led 46:34.

 

Instructed to play the game tightly and close out the big men’s opportunities to score, Tom opened with a two and a three, Dan added one from the line and another basket and Connor an and-one – at which point the frustration of the Stealers at their loss of the initiative in the game led to a technical foul.  While Connor calmly sunk his and-one, Mike was chosen to take the two for the technical and added one point.  Again Coach Baker urged the boys to stay focused and to really punish the opposition.  In response, first Dan then Jake landed threes.

 

Though Tom fouled out shortly after this, having worked hard to contain his player, and Stealers did manage a trickle of points, Eagles pushed home their advantage through the last minutes of the quarter with Mike again delighting the Eagles bench and supporters by taking five from five at the foul line and Dan ending the period strongly with a further five points.

 

At 76:50, Stealers knew the game was up and, though enjoying a brief rally mid-quarter as Eagles relaxed, were answered point for point by Dan, Jake (with two further threes) and Connor ending his best outing of the season so far with an emphatic 13 point quarter including a final three just before the final buzzer.

 

At 101:73, this was a strong showing and a deliciously unexpected victory, which puts Eagles in a strong position for the second leg at home in November.

 

Mike Bird 27, Jake Caudle 20, David Hyde 2, Tom Iverson 7,

Dan Ormrod 19, Connor Sugden 26.



Saturday, 17 October: v London Spartans
National League South 1 Conference
Eagles 119               (Q1: 38, Q2: 25, Q3: 37, Q4: 19)
London Spartans 35 (Q1: 12, Q2: 7, Q3: 6, Q4: 10)

 

Eagles win their 1st league game 119 to 35.

 

In 2008 / 2009 season the Eagles played and lost on both occasions to the Spartans; 122 – 50 and 95 – 58. So, it was with some trepidation that we approached this game. To everyone’s evident relief we quickly realised that the Spartans are a very different team this season.

 

After the tip the Eagles quickly put points on the board and rapidly built up a commanding lead. As the Spartans were not able to put us under pressure under the basket it was relatively easy to score. At the end of the 1st quarter the Eagles where 38 – 12 up, with points coming from Jordan, Bradley, Jonathan, Ben, George, Luke, Ashley, Greg, Gavin and Stanley. The second quarter was an equally one-sided affair with the Eagles scoring 25 to Spartans 7. Jordan, Bradley, Ben, Ollie, Luke, Greg, Leo and Stanley added to the tally. After the half time break we came out very strong, putting on 37 points to their 6, however, in the final quarter we seemed to lose focus scoring only 19 points to their 10. At the final buzzer everyone in the team had put points on the board

Oxford & Chiltern Men’s League

Brookes Eagles U18 79:90 Oxford Hoops Sonics

Abingdon & Witney College, Abingdon

14 October 2009

 

The final score does no justice to the on-court tenacity and hard work by Eagles U18s in what was their toughest fixture of the season so far.  For the majority of the 40 minutes of regulation time, Eagles’ more experienced players matched the Sonics point for point.  Connor Sugden’s dramatic buzzer beater basket drew both teams level again at full time and appeared to offer Eagles the chance to win the match.  However, team fouls and some determined end-game performances by the Sonics’ big men in over-time took the opportunity firmly away, leaving an air of disappointment which overshadowed the team’s earlier efforts.

 

Eagles opened brightly with Mike Bird, despite a leg injury, sinking a three and two twos before Jake Caudle opened his account with a basket and one from two at the line.  Tom Iverson, promoted to the starting five to match up with Sonics’ key big man, worked tirelessly to restrict his player’s freedom under the basket.  Though Eagles were hustling well, Sonics were still able to score steadily.  In reply, Francis Brobby, Mike, Francis again and lastly Jake sunk four threes in a row to keep Eagles level on 22 apiece at the end of the quarter.

 

Francis dominated Eagles’ play in the second quarter. His 9 point run mid-period ensured that Eagles stayed in touch with Sonics – whose key players, despite more intense defence, were periodically able to slip though to establish a slender three point lead at the end of the half, 38:41.

 

The third period belonged to Eagles.  They took it 24:15 with Jake stepping up and working well with Francis and Mike.  The older Sonics players appeared to be tiring and Coach Baker urged his players to dictate the pace of the game and to push the ball through on every offence.  However, fortunes were sharply reversed in the fourth.  Despite an encouraging first five minutes in which Arnie Akcal and Connor Sugden scored their first points to add to more from Francis and Mike, suddenly Sonics came back strongly and their tight defence forced Eagles into attempting long shots which just would not fall.  Though Dan Ormrod put back one overshoot from Francis, Eagles saw their lead being eaten away until both teams were again level on 75 with 1:10 to play.  Sonics scored and after some desperate work around the basket, just as the final buzzer was sounding, Connor found one final shot, which fell to take both teams into overtime.  It was in this five minutes that Sonics dug deep and overpowered the Eagles, despite valiant efforts and one basket by Dan.

 

Disappointing in the immediate aftermath; but a great effort which should encourage the Eagles squad. 

 

 

Francis Brobby 34, Mike Bird 19, Jake Caudle 14, Dan Ormrod 7, Connor Sugden 4, Arnie Akcal 1.

Saturday, 10 October:  U 16's v. Bucks Hornets (Cup)

Eagles 54 (Q1: 13, Q2: 11, Q3: 12, Q4: 18) Bucks Hornets 61 (Q1: 12, Q2: 17, Q3: 13, Q4: 19)

 

Eagles are out of the Cup after narrowly losing 54 to 61 to Bucks Hornets.

 

We finished a low scoring 1st quarter ahead by the slenderest of margins with points coming from Jordan, Bradley, Ben, Tim and Greg. We started strongly, leading by five points within a few minutes but then slumped. This allowed the Hornets to come back while we failed to score on the offensive end. Regrettably we weren’t able to build on this in the second quarter, only putting on an additional 11 points, from Bradley and Stanley, to the Hornets 17.  After the half time break we fared better almost matching the Hornet’s point for point, but never being able to capitalise on easy buckets under the basket. This, in spite of a strong performance getting rebounds at the offensive end. Our points came from Jordan, Ollie, Luke and Stanley. In the final quarter our efforts to come back were scuppered by the Hornets long range shooting, with three’s coming from J. Shaw and B. Geddes. Our points came from Jordan, Bradley, Ollie, Luke and Greg.

Jordan 7, Ollie 4, Luke 6, Greg 7, Bradley 16, Ben 2, Tim 2,
Stanley 10.


U18 Men South Conference

Brookes Eagles U18 102:77 Solent Kestrels II

Brookes University Centre for Sport

10 October 2009

 

Arnie Akcal’s three at the end of the fourth quarter took Eagles over the ton and secured them a second win in the League - and a victory on several levels.

 

Collectively: having now won both games with scores over a hundred, it places them comfortably at the head of the League, with a substantial points difference which could prove useful for the playoffs.  It also marked the next step in their development as a cohesive team of considerable depth.  All players gained court time and experience against a Solent team noted for their refusal to roll over and give away an easy win.   After, the visiting coach called Eagles a “class act” – praise indeed from a man who, as heard during the game, can be a very vocal critic.

 

Individually: there were some stand-out performances from Tom Iverson and Mike Bird.  The former has really stepped up to U18 level with fearless commitment and a repertoire of shots which took him into the lead scorer’s position.  While the fast hands and terrier-like persistence on Point from Mike enabled him to steal the ball from Solent players repeatedly and either score or assist.  And where would Eagles be without Captain David Hyde’s glorious rejections at key moments; his good humour and team leadership, even when personally fouled out, marking the squad’s maturity.

 

The game started tentatively, with Solent winning the tip but failing to score on their offence; Mike stealing the ball for the first time, but not converting; then Solent managing first points.  Dan Ormrod and Jake Caudle managed to reply twice each, with Connor Sugden adding one from two at the line.  Great hustle by David under the Solent basket was rewarded with an eventual ‘and one’.  Another one from two at the line by Dan drew the scores level at 13 at the halfway point in the quarter and, crucially, put Solent on Team Fouls. 

 

Despite a Time Out, Solent were unsettled and Eagles swept down to take advantage with a long three from Mike, a gentle lay-up from Jake, a bold rejection by David and a relatively uncontested two by Dan, taking advantage of a loose ball.  Tom finished the quarter strongly with five personal points to give Eagles a substantial 31:19 lead.

 

At the break Coach Baker pointed up how increased intensity on defence had brought the rewards and called for more of the same.  And more of the same followed, despite an initial 8 point personal flurry of activity from Solent 13.  Tim Pointer joined Jake and Connor on the score sheet to keep Eagles in touch before both teams hit five fouls.  While dogged work by Ed Kirwan and David drew fouls and enabled Eagles to added singletons; Solent occasionally broke away and replied with field goals, including one three.  The result was a drawn quarter at 19, still giving Eagles a 50:38 lead at the half.

 

Ed, David, Dan and Connor lead the charge in the third before Mike was fouled taking a three pointer and nailed all three free throws.  Together with Tom, he continued to harass the Solent offence, before Dan and David sunk two quick baskets to seal the quarter for Eagles, extending the lead to 78:59.  Along the way David rejected or blocked twice more at crucial moments and caused the Solent key player to travel while attempting to back into the Eagles basket – important tactical victories which, together with Tom’s resounding three at the start of the final period, really secured the game for Eagles.

 

Much of the final quarter did feel like an end game with the result not in doubt, provided, as Coach Baker told the squad that they too wanted it.  The final period showed that they did, and how; piling in another three from Tom, and points to Connor, Mike, Jake and Ed Garbutt. 

 

Arnie’s final three was the icing on the cake making for a delicious victory.

 

Leading Scorers:  Tom Iverson 18, David Hyde 16 & Jake Caudle 16.

   

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