Marjons march on against depleted Bognor Pirates

Bognor Pirates were low on numbers when they travelled to face Plymouth Marjons, but knew they could still give the opposition a tough game. Sadly they ended on the wrong end of an 88-62 scoreline in the National League encounter.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Nov 2011, 14:24 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 19:26 BST

The Pirates started by moving the ball well on offence and playing some tough defence.

Rob Stapely showed how much the Pirates wanted to win by grabbing any loose ball, but he came off the worse in a clash with an opponent and took no further part.

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The Pirates battled on with only six players, Lee Barnes shooting the ball well offensively with Plymouth failing to shut him down, but the first quarter finished with the Pirates 23–19 down.

The second saw the Pirates take too long to get out the blocks, allowing Plymouth to stretch their lead. Kev Robbins got the Pirates back on track as they upped their defensive effort, but they couldn’t get the ball to drop at the offensive end. The second quarter finished 44-26.

In the third quarter Bognor defended well and moved the ball well on offence, allowing them to drive to the basket.

Kev Wilson drew fouls to increase the Pirates score. Again, however, the Pirates just couldn’t find that final touch and the third quarter ended with Marjon 67-39 up.

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The Pirates moved up a level as they worked tirelessly on defence, forcing turnovers and getting steals from the opposition.

The Pirates now began to convert shots. Matt Robbins drove to the basket grabbing points and drawing fouls, as well as shooting from outside. Rich Lowe came to life with a run of five baskets in a row.

The Pirates won the quarter but had lost it earlier in the game.

PIRATES: Lowe 17, Robbins 15, Barnes 14, Hardyman 7, Wilson 7, Attfield 2, Stapely.

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This Saturday, November 12, Pirates host Taunton Tigers – tip-off at The Arena Sports Centre is at 7pm. Arrive early as there’s music, a DJ, a raffle and a half-time shootout to win a Nike basketball. The South Bersted Primary School Cheerleaders will also be on duty. Adults pay £3, students £2, children £1.

Bognor Pirates II 102 Bourne Stars 57

Sussex League

In the first quarter, the Pirates used a smaller line-up to try to out-run the Stars defence. This was successful, with Pirates taking advantage of their pace.

Wilson made his presence known with several shots hitting the mark. But it was McLaren that gave his energy to grestest effect, scoring 14.

The Pirates led 30-12 after one quarter.

The second quarter bore a similar story with Lowe strong in attack and hitting many seemingly-impossible hook/flip shots. Buksevics brought his strength to the defensive and offensive ends, forcing his way to the basket to put Pirates 56-28 up at the halfway mark.

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The second half saw more of the same fast-paced basketball, but a few more turnovers from the Pirates.

Stars duo Hunt and Paculabo shone with numerous off-balance and highly difficult jump-shots. But Wakeling’s presence inside made it hard for the Stars to get close to the hoop.

Parker worked hard and tried to score from the outside but it didn’t seem to be his night.

Pirates cruised to victory, finishing the game with a century of points - not often seen in 40-minute UK basketball games.

PIRATES: K Wilson 23, McLaren 20, Buksevics 19,

Lowe 16, W Wilson 9, Robbins 3, Barnes 4, Wakeling 3, Pleskys 4, Knight 2, Parker.

Related topics:PiratesNational League