Match Report: HUD Mens 1st vs York St. John 1st

Here follows a critical review of the University of Huddersfield Mens 1st team performance on 30.01.13.

	No	Points	Fouls
James Deakin	4	2	0
Ivan Robles	5	0	3
Eimantis Lukauskis	6	2	2
Kamil Piskorz	7	2	5
Rob Senior	8	0	0
Yannick Legros	9	29	1
Hassan Haq	10	21	3
Nauris Agafonovs	12	2	1
Airidas Surkus	13	7	4
Kehinde Babalola	14	4	1
Dan Moore	15	17	1
Total		86	21

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4
HUD	16	41	64	86
YRK	20	40	55	71

With an outstanding number of supporters this important league game was under way, notably the support from the University Netball team was excellent. Unfortunately only one referee was present at the game.

The first quarter had a slow start, with York St. John number 4 scoring at least 9 points - many of these were 3 point shots taken from more than a metre from the 3 point line! Mr. Legros lead the home side in the first quarter with 7 points, mostly converted from post power moves. With more than 5 turn overs the home side struggled with some sloppy ball handling and passing. York lead 20 -  16.

The second quarter saw Huddersfield pick up the pieces. As in the first quarter evidence of boxing out was scarce, which wasn't helped by persistent uncalled illegal screens from York. 16 points from York's number 4 kept them in the game - 6 three pointers in the first half. Huddersfield were successful when executing their plays, as seen from the 10 points from Mr. Legros and 7 points from Mr. Moore. Mr. Babalola made a few easy baskets - the rewards of quick hands on defence. Huddersfield take the lead 41 - 40.

At the start of the second half Huddersfield increased the pace. Mr. Haq was called to duty and answered whole heartedly. After a few mysterious misses he went on to sink 6 three pointers in the second half. Huddersfield defence was more vigorous; this lead to a lead of 13 points. Despite a misplaced 3 point shot Mr. Legros was consistent with a further 12 points in the second half. York pull back the lead to a mere 4 points, but Huddersfield finish the quarter strong at 64 - 55.

The tension on court becomes tangible, with York St. John's premier big man being fouled out and 'hail-mary' number 4 much slower from fatigue. A few dodgy calls lead to a multitude of fouls from Huddersfield - almost 10 in the final quarter. this gave York the opportunity to level the score from the free throw line. Mr. Haq was having none of this. With two consecutive three pointers, the second a +1, Huddersfield seal the game and send York home in tears.

This game showed a few things; Huddersfield have the heart to win this league, but will they listen to their coach, Mark Mills, or continue to run 'hero' plays that end in turnovers instead of points? All in all the strong support was welcomed and every player pushed themselves. An excellent spectacle - but another game that tense could push back Mark Mills' hairline a few inches...