Arrows U14s beat bitter rivals as they stroll to victory

Derbyshire Arrows 89 City of Sheffield Saints 66

Even though the name has changed, the rivalry between the Arrows and the Saints (former junior sharks) was still present. The Arrows had not beaten their bitter rivals for 6 years and Coach Jonathan Kelly was optimistic going in to the clash on Saturday Afternoon.

This firey encounter was being played on bonfire day and the Arrows started like a rocket as Aidan Dennison, Connor Hicken, Ross Walcott and Ellis Salim combined to take a remarkable 16-0 lead inside 5minutes. The Saints were searching for a higher power to help but after a 3 pointer and a layup, the Arrows responded with a 8-0 run with Dennison putting his mark on the game to extend the lead 24-5. Outside shooting was all the Saints could find in the early stages and rebounding from James Bennett helped the Arrows stop the Saints offense get going. The quarter ended with the Arrows ahead 30-9.

The second quarter started like the first quarter as the Arrows ran riot on their dominance as Ross Walcott went on a personal 9 unanswered points as the young squad lead 41-12. The Saints then seemed to come alive abit more and a few longer shots dropped as they tried to close the gap, but the Arrows weren't going to let them back into the game and more Walcott points along with Dennison and Hicken took the halftime score to 55-33.

The third quarter startd with the teams trading a bucket each before a long shot by Bennett got the Arrows going into an 8-4 run. The third quarter strolled along for the Arrows as the Saints worked hard to keep in the game, Ellis Salim showed off his shooting ability with two very nice long two pointers. The third quarter closed with the Arrows ahead 75-52.

Coach Kelly warned the players in the last interval that the Saints would push and a higher focus was needed and the young Arrows team responded with dennison scoring no less than 10 points in the last quarter. There was also 2 baskets for Connor hicken and another chance to play for Adam Wood and Wadha Hassan who again performed well. There was also a debut appearence for 10 year old Alex Lycoudis playing 3 years above his age group, unfortunately his only shot fell short of the basket. The Arrows enjoyed a finish that saw the scoreline 89-66 and a first victory over the rivals in 6 years, and by the looks of things to come, a few more round the corner.

Arrows Scorers; Dennison 35, Walcott 25, Hicken 14, Salim 13, Bennett 2

The young Arrows team get ready to face Hull Wasps next Sunday in a 15:30 tip at KSC. They currently lie in second place but already having face two of the harder teams away from home.