Arrows with an encouraging start pipped at the post.

Derbyshire Arrows 71 - 81 Birmingham Mets

The Derbyshire Arrows mens setup started their campaign with a narrow loss away to Birmingham Mets in the first game of the Patrons cup. The Arrows had last year starter Akin Lisk-Carew and new signing Andrew Chigouri missing from their squad.

The Arrows started well with new American R.B. Clyburn making an impact and free throws from guard James Kelly setting the early pace and tone of the game, and the Arrows came out to an early lead. There was also baskets for new youngster Joseph Baugh showing his skill and athleticism. But the Mets finished the quarter strongly with a run to take the first quarter by 6 leading 22-28 at the break.

The second quarter was a low scoring affair that was tied 11 points a piece keeping the two teams 6 points apart at half time. The third quarter saw the Arrows start the quicker of the two teams closing the gap to a level ball game within 2 minutes of the restart, baskets from the returning James Bamfield and the experienced Andrew Purnell. The Arrows kept this momentum and built a lead of 4 points when Baugh was able to steal and finish with an eye catching slam dunk. But the quarter was to finish with the Mets on top and take a 4 point lead into the last interval.

The Arrows again started the quarter strongly and closed the gap instantly with R.B Clyburn getting baskets to his name. The Mets yet again rose to the challenge and started to build a lead on the Arrows. Although not lacking effort and desire to win the game, the Arrows couldn't find the right formula to get the offense going despite baskets from Purnell and captain Sam Spare. The game slowly slipped away from the arrows despite slight glimmers of hope.

This was an encouraging start to the Arrows campaign and look like a team to watch this year. The game saw Clyburn (21), Purnell (17) and Bamfield (14) top score for the away team. Also Louis Francis-Edge and Steve Hopkins played their part in an all-round good performance from Coach PK's men.

Their next game is a home fixture against London United at Killamarsh Sports Centre.

Arrows Scorers;

Clyburn 21, Purnell 17, Bamfield 14, Baugh 12, James Kelly 5 and Spare 2

All the stats for the game can be found at http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches/123/04/00/10/46id2OEyjxKL6/