Fliers outstrip Circus in local derby
Basketball round-up
The cross-town derby went the way of Luton Fliers as they eased to a 86-65 win against Houghton Circus Raiders at the Dunstable Leisure Centre on Sunday.
An experienced Fliers squad, currently sitting top of the league table, eventually ran out comfortable winners but Raiders fought valiantly throughout the contest and pushed the opposition to the very end.
Depleted Circus eventually ran out of gas in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter and allowed Fliers to open up their lead.
The first period hurt Circus Raiders badly as the Fliers soared into an early 25-11 lead with Rafe Abrook doing much of the damage scoring 19 first half points, courtesy of dunks, lay-ups and hitting 11 out of 11 free throws.
The second quarter saw a great response from Circus Raiders who won the quarter 21-16, reducing the Fliers' lead to nine at half time.
The third quarter ended in stalemate as both teams traded baskets to leave the score 66-57 to Fliers going into the final quarter.
Much of the last period was similar to the third but, with Circus Raiders chasing the game and stretching themselves for one last throw of the dice, an experienced Fliers team countered and capitalised on a Raiders squad which was running on empty.
Fliers really turned the screw defensively and a final push from them ended all hopes of a late comeback from Circus Raiders.
Raiders' top scorers on the day were Paul Matthews with 16, Trey Hall, 14, and young Oli Butcher, who finished with 12.
Fliers' Abrook proved to be a real handful for Circus as he finished the night with 28 points.
Luton Fliers now need to win one of their final two games to secure their second title in three years.
>> County basketball resurrected
Bedfordshire County Basketball is back in business.
Players and coaches are all needed to grow the enterprise which England Basketball are fully behind.
Beds are hoping to field teams in a number of the forthcoming inter-county tournaments.
Headed by Lance Haggith, the county-wide scheme is hoping that schools and club coaches will also recommend players.
Trial days are due to be arranged in due course and for more details email haggith@ntlworld.com or call 07768 533511.
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Weather for Bedford
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
