The first under 14 Basketball RoadShow of the season was held recently at Holywells High School, which for the first time in a long time was entered by just Suffolk teams.The four teams to enter were Felixstowe’s Brackenbury Bears, Ipswich Streetcats, Ipswich Bobcats and new club Leiston Lynx.

Consistently well run and coached local club Brackenbury Bears from Felixstowe took part in the first game against the relatively new outfit of the Ipswich Streecats, coached by ex local men’s player Kevin Brendish. The opening minutes were to see the Bears confident as French notched up points at will.

By the fourth the Cats had regained their composure with Clements and Bolt dominating. The first quarter ended Steetcats 10, Bears 8. The second was all about the Cats who went on a run which would only see the Bears make one free throw in the period and at half time saw the Streetcats up 15-9.

The third saw baskets swapped fairly evenly but going into the fourth Brackenbury were still 8 points adrift. The Bears final quarter talk seemed to have had effect as they came out determined to close the gap. Jewkes found his range and French also made his presence felt penetrating to the basket.

With just two minutes remaining the scores stood at Streetcats 25, Bears 23. This was as close as it was to come though as again Clements and Bolt pressed home their advantage. The final score was Streetcats 29- Bears 25. A great first encounter.

Another close encounter came when the Bears took on the Bobcats. With many of the girls involved in Area Performance trials it was left to a small squad to gain some good court time against the Bears. The boys started more confidently with French racking up all the points bar two in the first quarter. The Bobcats looked good on the break though as Diamond scored at close range. You got the feeling it was to be a close run game as baskets were swapped evenly. Cazey had an excellent second for the girls as she gained in confidence, seeing them go in, up by two, 16-14 at half time.

The second half followed much the same as the first with both teams looking to play fast break basketball. The girls pass and move game was causing the boys problems. It was a fast finish to the game as even though Cook scored for the girls Casburn for the Bears sewed it up as they won boy one point.

Particular mention goes to Leiston as they find their way in local basketball. Having played for the first time they have now have a platform on which to build. Ipswich Streetcats remain unbeaten so with the next RoadShow taking place on January 17th in Felixstowe, they will be the team to beat!

Kathryn James
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