The inevitable challenge from a very confident U14 boys team and an even more cocky coach eventuated with the heavily promoted fixture taking place on Sunday, April 7, at the Hills Basketball Stadium.
As team lineups arrived it was clear the boys were somewhat surprised and put off by a very tall and talented parent group which comprised all manner of relatives and siblings.
The U/14 coach was beside himself and questioning the eligibility of certain players but ultimately conceded it was all too late for technicalities, the war of words was over and it was time to walk the walk.
The 14’s lineup was as strong as anything the crowds had seen this season but the parents five looked super with big Del, legend Kurt and strongman Sam supported by rookies Shane and Jenny.
A blistering start in the first quarter saw control of the game well and truly in the hands of an ageing lineup with Del and Kurt imposing their domination on all facets of the game.
The second quarter was much the same story which allowed for easy rotation of all players on the oldies team.
Their was no sentiment in the match ups as Arran B made a strong drive to the basket and sent dad Dave sprawling out of court. Clearly an offensive foul this was a 50-50 call which was given in favor of the young pups and drew attention to the young referee on duty who was clearly influenced by the 14’s coach.
“Champagne” Louis was robust in defense while Meg Mac was everywhere in offence and cheered on by her legion of Mac supporters.
Yago played with great passion and commitment to winning and demonstrated great skills with his finishing and drives to the basket. The veterans had done their job and now pressure was being applied for the coach to make a cameo appearance.
The 14’s were struggling for answers and some cheap trash talking from the coach failed to lift the spirits of the boys.
The half time address by the 14’s coach was quite emotional and was in complete contrast to the oldies who were either talking shop, texting on the mobile or enjoying liquid refreshments of a sort. The oldies coach simply rearranged the lineup and took a five minute break to savor the scoreline.
New lineups from both teams saw the third quarter become more of a contest and provide new hope for the 14’s. They obviously responded to the coach’s call for a better effort and their self belief reappeared with some fine perimeter shooting from Brane and great finishing from all the boys.
Whilst John Mac’s smooth shooting technique impressed the large crowd on hand the rest of his teammates knew it could be some time before his shooting percentage got into double figures.
An appearance on court at the end of the third quarter by the oldies coach had no effect on the game whatsoever and did little to inspire fellow teammates although it did up the ante by the opposition coach in the trash talking stakes.
An appearance on court by the 14’s coach had little effect either, didn’t trouble the scorers for a moment and merely served to confirm he is playing at the right level in club competition.
The fourth quarter saw a great fightback from the 14’s and the coach had something to crow about. The oldies continued to rotate players but with the intensity dropping the contest was becoming an arm wrestle and the title was now up for grabs.
Despite being five points down with three minutes remaining there was no panic from the oldies troop and the coach calmly threw himself in for the money minutes. Responding with a cool left hand jump hook on the break the oldies coach was beginning to get his confidence and show glimpses of yesteryear’s heroics.
Despite the opposition coach’s frustration at such cheap layups the 14’s were still in front with just over a minute to go. However some classy construction play from the experienced D and K engineered a wealth of points for the oldies in the dying minute and was enough to secure victory with the final score 66-60.
The game was played in great spirit and a delicious BBQ lunch followed at which the bragging rights for the oldies commenced with great fervor.
The 14’s showed and continue to show commendable attitude when the game is discussed particularly when the final scoreline is mentioned.
Big D shows commendable reluctance to over mention the scoreline as well (once a week should do it now D) !!!!
Read it and weep,
Sam Slick.
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