Warriors 2nd team narrowly edged out in campaign opener

EAST MIDLANDS REGIONAL DIVISION ONE CHARNWOOD RUTLAND 2NDS 42 SLEAFORD BARGE 49

CHARNWOOD Rutland Warriors began their East Midlands Division One Campaign with a hard fought, 49-42 loss to Sleaford Barge.

Having secured promotion via the play-offs last season the Warriors knew Division One would be a step up particularly against an experienced Sleaford Barge side. Charnwood started slowly as they struggled to find their feet with a number of new players in the team, Sleaford took advantage and stretched out to an en early 5-0 lead. However the Warriors found their form to fight back and trail 15-8 at quarter time.

With confidence up the Warriors began to close the gap on Sleaford as their defence worked hard to shut down their accurate shooters. They gradually chipped away at the lead and went into the half-time break just five behind, with the score 25-20.

With a large squad on the bench Charnwood Rutland made changes for the third quarter with the hope that fresh legs could begin to reduce the gap further and pressure Sleaford into mistakes.

With the changes taking time to settle Sleaford took advantage and with their shooters accurate-from all over the circle they pulled away again, and despite the Warriors best efforts they went into the final 15 minutes eight behind, the score 38-30.

With the team shuffled again for the last 15 minutes Charnwood Rutland came out firing with all-court pressure forcing Sleaford Barge into mistakes. As their shooters began to settle they continued to chip away at Sleaford’s lead as the clock ticked down.

However the experience of Sleaford showed through as they controlled the game in the last few minutes to run out 49-42 winners.