Kings Division Two team rebound with huge four-point win over London Sparrows
The Thames Valley Kings Division Two team looked to rebound from a defeat against London Titans with a home game against the London Sparrows from Hackney.
Both teams started strong with the Sparrows finding the net first from the free throw line which began a back and forth first quarter with both Barker brothers, Liam and Reece and Chris Nash all finding the net. Reece Barker hit the final points of the quarter, on the buzzer no less, to give Kings one-point lead at the end of the quarter, 15-14.
Sparrows regained the lead after the break before the Kings set up a 6 point unanswered streak with PJ O’Donavon adding his name to the score sheet, Sparrows evenually re-found their rhythm after this and the rest of the quarter remained a back and forth battle – the half time score being Kings 33-24.
The 3rd quarter saw the back and forth battle continue with both sides finding the net, but a late unanswered 6 point run from Sparrows begain a memorial fight back as the sides went ino the final quarter – 43-36 to Kings.
The final quarter started with a furry of action from Sparrows as they chipped away the rest of Kings Lead until they pulled level with seven minutes to go, with the score at 45 each. However, disaster stuck for the Sparrows as they lost Brito Paul to his fifth personal foul meaning he was forced to leave the game. This lead to a resurgence from the Kings, who went on a 8 point unanswered run. A valiant Sparrows team continued to push Kings hard until the final buzzer but It was Kings who picked up the Win by four points, 58-54.
Coach Grant Barker stated after the game “It was a tough game against a very physical team but we dug deep and put in a very mature performance to get the win”
The win will keep Kings top but they will face some hard fixtures over the next few months if they wish to seek back-to-back promotions.
Kings Division Two team are in action this Saturday against the Sussex Bears away, Kings Junior League team will return to action in Swansea on March 2nd and the Division Three team are next in action against Swansea Storm at Kennet Leisure Centre, Thatcham on March 9th.
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