GRIZZLIES VS STOCKPORT FALCONS WHITE

On Saturday 16^th November the Grizzlies U16s hosted Stockport Falcons White.

Stockport came into the game with an unbeaten record of 5 wins and zero defeats and were already looking like title contenders.

It was a tough start to the game for the Grizzlies, with Stockport racing into an early lead and not allowing the Grizzlies any opportunities of their own, and finished the first quarter with a big lead of 5-30.

The 2^nd period was a much more even affair, with the Grizzlies finally getting some joy going forwards, playing more aggressively and playing some superb passes to open up the Falcons defence, with Reuben Murphy taking his chances to grab a string of baskets.  However Stockport continued to show their class too, and the half time break finished with the Grizzlies 27 points behind, 22-49. 

Congleton continued their good play and battling qualities after the break, with a neat pair of baskets from Cruz Gomes getting the Grizzlies , but struggled to take their opportunities against a Stockport side that continued to be defensively solid and lethal on the break and the third quarter finished 31-69. 

In the final quarter, Stockport’s position as title challengers was evident in their play as they continued to pile on the pressure, able to rack up a further 41 points against the Grizzlies’ 2, and the game ended with a final score of 33-110 to Stockport.

Coach Ryan Anderson was able to take the positives after a tough game;

“We knew it was going to be a difficult afternoon and it proved to be just that.  Stockport are a strong team who will do very well this season, and the experience gained today will do us well going forwards.  The pleasing thing was how we kept our heads, were aggressive in defence and passed the ball well to create our opportunities.  Plenty for us to work on in training, but the team is so resilient so they’re immediately looking forwards to the next game.”

MVP: Liam Cartlidge