Wheelchair Basketball Challenge   2019 - Match reports 

Fifth Element 21 - 17 Jersey Sport

Previously bottom-of-the-table Fifth Element moved above their opponents in the table after this narrow win.

Jersey Sport led at the first break, during which only one point was scored! At half time, the gap was still the same, 8-9. By the end of the third quarter, the scores were level at 15-15. With two minutes left on the clock, it was 17-17 - which was when Yuri Pereira, who played for RBC Maples last year, and was instrumental in keeping his side in contention, popped in two baskets in rapid succession to finish off Jersey Sport.

HSBC Dunkers 6 - 12 Jersey Sport

This was never going to be an easy game to call and as it was the lead did change as the match progressed. HSBC dominated the first half and scored two baskets to Jersey Sport’s one. Not high scoring but exciting end to end stuff.

However, someone must have spoken in Jersey Sport’s ear during the half time break as they came back with a vengeance, scoring three baskets in the third quarter with no reply and winning the fourth quarter by two baskets to one.

Again, as per last week’s game, both teams played fairly and enjoyed themselves, and with a little more guidance and training, could easily be a challenge to the top teams. 

Jersey Sport’s Dan Garton was awarded the player of the match for his excellent passing and team support. 

HSBC Dunkers 6 - 6 Fifth Element

A game full of enthusiasm and end to end movement but limited accuracy pretty much sums up this game. Although both teams had considerable time in each other’s key, neither team could quite find the basket.

To be fair, Fifth Element started well and basically controlled the first half but as the game progressed, the Dunkers took over and if the game had been a little longer, they could have easily won. As it was, their efforts were not without vain as they succeeded in being part of a very unusual final result.

Steve Le Maistre won Player of the Match for Fifth Element as his determined effort to quickly provide the ball to the ‘scorers’ up front was noted.

Jersey Wheelers 18 - 19 RBC Maples

What a game! Like a screenplay by Colin Welland, this game had everything. It began very cagily with a Zairean boxing air as the teams tested each other out.

The Wheelers were the first to break through and finished the low scoring first half with a 10-8 lead. In the second period, the tempo increased and in what was arguably a pivotal moment, two penalty throws were awarded to the RBC Maples for a foul in the act of shooting. One basket went in for one point which meant the third quarter finished with a slender lead for the Wheelers, 14-13.

Historically RBC Maples generally have a stronger fourth quarter and today was no exception. Three baskets gave them a ‘comfortable’ lead of 3 points at 19-16 with baskets by all members of the team. However in the dying moments, Sam Walker popped in a fantastic basket with seconds on the clock, from very close to the three point line. Just a few inches further out would have resulted in a draw!  

Still an excellent match with the cagey beginning meaning that neither team won a bonus for reaching 20 points. Sam won basket of the match with that final basket of the seven she scored, whilst Victoria Lodge won Player of the match for the Wheelers for her dogged determination and mid-court support.

Fifth Element 12 - 39 RBC Maples

Quite a tough game with Fifth Element up there with equal possession. The problem they had was finishing off all that hard work with an actual basket. Saying that, both teams played with spirit and a sense of fair play which resulted in an entertaining end to end match.

Fifth element actually started off the proceedings with the first basket of the game and it was nip and tuck for some time in the first half. However after the break, RBC settled down and the score began to mount; Fifth Element had little answer, as shot after shot just failed to be converted to points. Even without the accuracy, they could well be tough opposition for the majority of the league. 

Jersey Sport 6 - 43 RBC Maples

When RBC Maples have their full team out they are a formidable opposition and so it proved against Jersey Sport. To be fair to Jersey Sport, their possession was close to the 50% mark but unfortunately they were unable to convert this into baskets. With better finishing skills they would be an excellent team.

Meanwhile Peter Ingram was on good form for RBC, scoring 15 points spread over every quarter and Adam Cartwright backed this up with a perfect 10.

For Jersey Sport the greatest cheer and arguably the best basket of the night, came from the ever enthusiastic Lauren Mills who was named ‘player of the match’.

HSBC Dunkers scratched to Jersey Wheelers 

As HSBC Dunkers were unable to raise a team for this fixture, the Wheelers were awarded the three points.

Jersey Wheelers 42 - 8 Jersey Sport 

With a mostly new line-up of effectively rookie players, Jersey Sport were always on the back ‘foot’ against the Jersey Wheelers, one of the top teams in the league.

Both Samantha Walker and James Brady were on good form, but the whole Jersey Wheeler team scored at some point in the proceedings and showed clear depth of experience as Mel Alves, Victoria Lodge and Darren Renouf added to the tally.

At the other end of the court, Jay Crocknell showed us some prowess in scoring 3 out the 4 baskets for Jersey Sport even though he had never played before! For this and his enthusiasm and fair play throughout the game, he was awarded man of the match.

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