|
A tough game was expected from the visitng Oaks as Bears defended their unbeaten record for the season. The away win before Christmas may well have seemed quite comfortable, but Whiteley have a strong squad who can perform very well on their day. So it was disappointing to see only 3 opposition players turn up at 8pm. Fortunately 2 more arrived some 20 minutes late and the game was able to get under way.
Bears knew that the key to success in this game was to outrun the opposition as they had no substitutes and would eventually tire. The visitors knew they had a mountain to climb and came out flying, hitting their first 4 shots, and capitalising on Bears errors to race to a 9-2 lead in the first 2 minutes. Bears then went on an 8-0 to gain a 1 point lead. Great offensive and defensive work from George Markell where he scored 6 consecutive points were the spark that Bears needed, but a couple of quick fouls led to him being sent to the bench early.
Both teams scored in fits and starts; first Whiteley, then the Bears in a pattern that dominated the first half. Eight consecutive points from Big Phil "Scolari" Bechmann were a highlight of the 2nd quarter which ended with the two teams locked at 31-31.
The third saw Bears finally take a stranglehold on the game, as Ahmed, Liam and Simon stepped up the work rate and delivered crucial buckets. The Oaks looked visibly tired as they struggled to maintain their high scoring percentage from the first half. As the quarter drew to a close, Bears were comfortably leading by 12 points (53-41).
George and Liam kept the offensive pressure going at the start of the 4th as the lead was pushed forward to 20 points (66-46) with 4 minutes to go. The result was never in doubt from there on in, as Bears ran the bench and cantered to a 70-59 victory, keeping the winning streak alive.
|