Hemel Storm II 75 – 95 University of Nottingham
(Division Three)
Hemel Storm II, sponsored by Certa Group Ltd, suffered a disappointing loss in their first league game of the season.
A strong first quarter from the home team underpinned by some aggressive defence, propelled them to a 3 point lead at 18-15. Hemel’s new signing, 7’3” Ollie Dykes, was proving to be a handful for Nottingham’s defence and they responded by switching to a zone. Storm were unable to convert the long range opportunities that this presented and a flurry of easy fast break points for the visitors steered them to an 8 point half time lead.
Hemel regained control of the game in the third quarter with some slick ball movement. Daryl Craine and Nick Allin found their shooting touch from beyond the 3-point arc and Dykes finished well at the rim. With two minutes remaining in the third, Storm had taken a five point lead.
But Hemel’s fate was sealed within those closing two minutes. Following a couple of technical fouls and an ensuing loss of concentration, Nottingham closed the period with a 13-1 run. Storm were unable to re-assert themselves on the game in the last quarter and the visitors were able to stretch their lead to give them a comfortable 20 point win.
Coach Allin said: “We got ourselves in a great position to push on and win the game but our loss of discipline at the end of the third quarter was disappointing and ultimately cost us. However, there were lots of positives to take away. That was the very first time that group of players had taken to the floor together so there is no doubt that we will improve in the coming weeks.”
Leading Scorers:
Ollie Dykes 16, Nick Allin 15, Daryl Craine 14
Storm II are back in home action this Sunday (27th October) against Anglia Ruskin University. The game tips at 5pm at JFK School, Hemel Hempstead.
