Narrow one point win for Charnwood’s 2nd team
EAST MIDLANDS REGIONAL DIVISION 2 CHARNWOOD RUTLAND 2 41
LEAPOOLE 40 CHARNWOOD Rutland seconds secured their first win of their East Midlands Regional Division two campaign on Sunday as they edged past an experienced Leapoole side 41-40.
After being on the receiving end of a one goal loss in their last match two weeks ago, this time the team which featured a mix of experience and youth, secured the one-goal win after battling back from a five goal deficit.
The match was evenly contested throughout with Leapoole taking a narrow lead at the end of the first quarter 22-20.
After their disappointing one goal loss last match out Charnwood Rutland seconds looked nervy at times as they struggled to settle into the game as the players almost tried too hard to make things happen.
Leapoole exploited this lack of confidence as they stretched their lead out to five as they forced errors from both attack and defence.
However with strong support from the bench and coach Sam Griffin, the team who use the name ‘Warriors’ on court, showed their fighting spirit to cut the deficit to one at half time.
Coach Sam Griffin rung the changes at half time with fresh legs coming on and spurring the team into life. With the teams going goal for goal and the defence working hard to shut down Leapoole’s tall goal shooter he confidence between the team grew.
With Charnwood Rutland’s energy up they took to the court in the last 15 minutes determined to get the win.
The last quarter was the most consistent, with the defence picking up crucial rebounds and with the clock ticking down Charnwood Rutland’s shooters kept their nerve to secure the one goal win.
With their first win under their belt the seconds will look to build as they face Nottingham Knights next weekend.