Newry played host to Ballymena Blackstone last Saturday, and put on an great show.
Ballymena historically have a very tough team and are never afraid to press on both offence and defence. Games between the two sides have always been close exciting competitions, so there was plenty to live up to.
Newry Started off comfortably enough. It was a strong starting five that took to the floor and the boys quickly displayed their skills and Newry dominated the rebounding. Jo McShane opened the scoring with 2 clean-up rebounds and Conor Yendall showed great control with 6 points for the quarter including 2 from the free throw line. Newry lead after the period with an impressive, 12 points to 5.
In the second quarter Newry faltered slightly with 2 from free throws from Eoin McStay and Kamill McCabe the only scores of the period. What they lacked in scoring however was made up at the other end and held Ballymena to only 4 points, all coming from point guard Benny Mullan. The quarter seemed to be a lull in the game with neither side really attacking. Newry went into the half 5 points clear, 14-9.
In the second half of second half of the game, the pace picked up and this time it's was the guards turn to attack the basket. Again Newry Scored 12 points for the quarter with Aaron Crawley and Kamill McCabe scoring 5 points each and Michael Clarke getting the other 2. At this point most of the game was on the run and the trademark fast break attacking style of Ballymena was on full display. Newry did a good job on getting back and stopping the breaking plays with Mark Thornton and Ross McQuillan using their speed to get back on defence. Ballymena still managed to get 14 points for the quarter but Newry held onto their lead. 26-23.
With Only 3 points in the game Newry fielded their strongest team for most of the final quarter. Each team tried to control the game with Newry setting up their offence under the basket to slow the game, and Ballymena breaking to speed things back up. Newry's large court didn't really suit the Ballymena plays and in the end some of their players were looking tired. Newry is was in a good position, with a strong bench. The coach used this to their advantage and was able to keep fresh legs on the floor by rotating the players on the floor. This all helped to control the end of the game and Aaron Crawley and Jo McShane got 4 pts each for the quarter. The rest of the players, including Danial Hanratty, Lloyd Clarke and Rowan Lewis, showed great defensive skills and quickness and they continued to cut off the Ballymena attacks. The frustration started to show on Ballymena with one player reaching his 5 foul limit and 3 others in foul trouble.
Newry finished an entertaining game deserved winners at 34-30.
Players
Aaron Miller 11 pts
Jo McShane 8 pts
Conor Yendall 6 pts
Kamill McCabe 5 pts
Michael Clarke 2 pts
Eoin McStay 1 pt
Danial Hanratty 1 pt
Lloyd Clarke
Rowan Lewis
Jo Hanna
Cathal Lewis
Mark Thornton
Ross McQuillan
Next game up is Andersontown on 6th February. For more information on fixtures and results check the website at www.newrybasketball.co.uk.
