Looking to return to winning ways in the NWRL, the Grizzlies welcomed Northwich to Congleton on Saturday 25th January. The game started at a good pace with both teams grabbing early baskets and the first quarter ended 6-7 to Northwich with the game immediately looking set to be a close battle all the way.
Northwich began the 2nd quarter strongly and were able to break through the Grizzlies defence to score some quick-fire baskets, with their #7 being a constant danger scoring three baskets. However, the Grizzlies came right back through a pair of baskets each from Henry Tonge and Will Boxford and one from Jesper Hanks to go into half time just 2pts down and still with everything to play for at 17-19.
The 3rd quarter saw the Grizzlies begin to take control, scoring six baskets, with both Tonge and Boxford combining well to cause Northwich real problems and able to gain the lead 30-29 as they finished Q3.
The final quarter again started fast, and after both teams traded baskets the game saw Northwich hit a 3 pointer to draw the game level at 34-34. However the Grizzlies showed real character to step up another level, both offensively and in defence. Elliot Wragg grabbed his second basket of the game before Henry Tonge reached a personal tally of 21pts with further baskets. Northwich’s attempts to get back into the game were nullified superbly, and Jesper Hanks then scored two late baskets to take the game under control as the Grizzlies secured a superb 44-34 win.
Coach Tom Watson said: “It was a great game, and we knew Northwich would be a real test so we had to be at our best. We were excellent defensively in that last quarter a number of players showed real quality in their finishing to seal it.”
MVP: Isabelle O'Gara
MVP was awarded to Isabelle O’Gara, who after grabbing an early basket then showed great defensive work to help hold the lead.
Add comment
Comments