Pontypridd Panthers 49 – 40 Aber Valley Hurricanes
On Sunday October 11, Aber Valley travelled for their first away game this season against rivals the Pontypridd Panthers.
During pre-season, Aber Valley faced Pontypridd twice, winning on both occasions 56–38 and 69–38.
Starting for Aber Valley was David Hale (making his return from injury), Pierre Leenhouts, Owain Sigsworth, Ryan Williams (Capt) and Cai Ellis. On the bench were Jay Mason, Lloyd Owen, Jay Jones, Justyn Hart, Torin Hughes, Samuel Picone and Thomas Pepper.
Following on from last week’s loss against Llanelli this was a game Aber Valley really wanted to win and stamp their authority on – unfortunately this was not the case throughout the game.
Pontypridd have come a long way since those pre-season games and used their experience to huge advantage which nullified the normally quick and effective Aber Valley offence.
Pontypridd played a tight zone defence throughout the game which Aber Valley could not find their way through. This forced the Hurricanes to take shots from outside the key which unfortunately wouldn’t drop all night. Some very suspect defence from Aber Valley in the first half arguably cost them this game.
The defence improved dramatically in the second half, Jay Mason showing some great hustle to force a lot of turnovers and steals. Unfortunately all this work led to nothing on the offensive side for the Hurricanes with forced shots and poor finishing giving Pontypridd the advantage.
Overall this was a bad night for Aber Valley from the inexperience of the coaching with some bad decisions, poor defence in the first half of the game and lazy offence all game costing them the win.
This takes nothing away from Pontypridd who have clearly come on leaps and bounds since pre-season with some great tight defence and some good shooting, especially in the fourth, giving them the deserved win which they clearly wanted more.
Another blip on the radar for Aber Valley, but with a young inexperienced team it will only get better in their first season together.
On a more positive note, Aber Valley are pleased to announce the signing of free agent Joel Richards. An outstanding Point Guard who originally started with Aber Valley in his teenage years before moving on to play for a number of teams, most recently the Beddau Knights. Joel brings with him a wealth of experience to the young team and it is always great to see a local boy return to where he started.
Aber Valley Scorers
David Hale 10
Ryan Williams 8
Owain Sigsworth 8
Lloyd Owen 6
Pierre Leenhouts 4
Jay Mason 2
Cai Ellis 2
RCT Gladiators 2nds 48 – 49 Aber Valley Hurricanes
After two disappointing losses for the Hurricanes at the start of the season, we travelled in to the valleys to take on another new team to the league, the RCT Gladiators 2nds. Aber Valley were unfortunately missing their captain Ryan Williams, Lloyd Owen and Jay Jones for the game.
After the two tough losses recently, Coach Williams took a change in tactics with a new starting line-up for this game of David Hale, Pierre Leenhouts, Owain Sigsworth, Torin Hughes and Jay Mason. On the bench were Cai Ellis, Justyn Hart, Samuel Picone, Corey Mcintyre and Thomas Pepper.
Q1: RCT Gladiators 2nds 9 – 16 Aber Valley Hurricanes
The first quarter got off to a slow start for both teams with the first baskets not coming for a minute or two in to the game. Aber Valley’s tight defence keeping the shooters of RCT Gladiators at bay, but struggling to take advantage down the other end of the court. Some great work in the post by both David Hale and Pierre Leenhouts started to cause problems for RCT. Quicker substitutions were being called in this game than previously which was working to the Hurricanes advantage as this kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Q2: RCT Gladiators 2nds 24 – 28 Aber Valley Hurricanes
At the start of the second quarter, RCT managed to find themselves back in the game with some quick ball movement and good drives taking advantage of some sloppy defence. A big two pointer that also drew the foul and successful free throw from Corey Mcintyre managed to inject some pace back in to the Aber Valley team. A bad start but good finish to the quarter ensured Aber Valley held the lead going in to half time.
Q3: RCT Gladiators 2nds 35 – 42 Aber Valley Hurricanes
The third quarter again saw a slow start for Aber Valley, half time potentially taking some of the intensity away from us. Some great pressure defence from Jay Mason particularly stopped RCT from taking advantage of this as on more than one occasion he caused them to turn the ball over in their own half. Slightly better offence down in the post and some good ball work from Cai Ellis built the lead back up for Aber Valley ensuring we took a seven point cushion in to half time.
Q4: RCT Gladiators 2nds 48 – 49 Aber Valley Hurricanes
After being in this situation before of having a tight lead heading in to the fourth, the team knew that they couldn’t let it slip. The quarter was tense for both teams, with each pushing for the win forcing the offence. Some great work in the post from David Hale which was followed by a huge three-pointer gave Aber Valley a bit of distance. RCT managed to force their way back in to the game with some sloppy defence from the Hurricanes allowing some easy drives to basket. A time-out was called by Aber Valley with one minute to go and one point between the teams to take the steam away from the RCT come back. With five seconds left, RCT had a chance to win the game but enough pressure was put on their shooter to force the missed shot with the rebound collected and held by David Hale to run out the clock.
MVP for Aber Valley as voted for by RCT Gladiators was David Hale.
Overall, after a tough start to the season, which Aber Valley know themselves that they should have done better.
It wasn’t pretty basketball, but it was a pleasing win,
However, to lead from the start of the game right through to the end was a great confidence boost. Better basketball will come from us but what is important is the win.
Well done also to RCT Gladiators 2nds. Looking at them, they are quite similar to ourselves as a young team that has time to develop and I am sure with a bit of experience going on they will win a lot of games.
Scorers
David Hale – 28
Cai Ellis – 7
Pierre Leenhouts – 6
Corey Mcintyre – 3
Torin Hughes – 2
Owain Sigsworth – 1
Match reports provided by Aber Valley Hurricanes