Game one of the days saw Spitfires face Carlisle Panthers two. Spitfires started strong with high energy and intensity from tip off with balanced scoring from inside and outside of the key which resulted in the first quarter time score of 8-0 to spitfires.
Going into the second quarter the team played strong defence which gave Spitfires a platform to manage the game going into half time with the score 12-2 in Spitfires favour.
After the half time break the game was a closely fought contest with both teams trying to regain the momentum in the third quarter. Spitfires would use the vast experience in the group remaining composed in offence and intense in defence to maintain the lead with the score at the third quarter time 14-4.
Carlisle Panthers two showed fantastic togetherness and team spirit throughout the evenly fought contest regardless of the score board, it was the team based in Carlisle that were winning the fourth quarter by two until the last seconds as Spitfires Seven Atkin hit a deep three pointer to secure the victory for Spitfires 23-6.
The second game of the day saw Spitfires match up against Wakefield Whirlwinds development. Spitfires started the game strong with energy and intensity taking confidence from the team’s previous victory with spitfires heading into the second quarter up by six, 6-0.
Following on from the first quarter Spitfires continued their strong offensive display heading into half time with the scoreboard reading 10-2 to Spitfires.
After the half time break both teams played great defence with both teams denying space and time for each other in offence. However, Whirlwinds began to build into the game come the end of the third quarter with the score 10-4 going into the fourth and final quarter.
In the opening stages of the fourth quarter both teams’ defences were on top. To Whirlwinds credit they never give up and with three-minutes thirty-six seconds remaining levelled the score 10-10 going into the final minute of the ball game. Wakefield would go on the take the win by one basket with a great composed finish by the Whirlwinds player to take the win for Wakefield 12-10.
Results from the third round of UKWB league mean that Spitfires drop one place to 11th in the standing heading into round four which takes place on Sunday the 29th of March where Spitfires will be facing Carlisle Panthers 1 and Kingstone Panthers.
Well played everyone, Spitfires would like to thank all officials, teams and staff who help to make a great event, we look forward to what round four has in store.