Nailsea win against Speedwell 58 - 49

October 22, 2006 on 9:13 am | In General

On Saturday 21st October Nailsea’s second away game of the season took place at Mangotsfield school and saw them matched up against fellow WEBBA league newcomers Speedwell.

After trading baskets and remaining on level terms for much of the first quarter, strong play from Paul Roy and captain Jason Boulton led an offensive surge. Speedwell had no answers for Nailsea’s tough defense and the away team finished the first quarter holding a 17-10 advantage.

The second quarter saw Nailsea continue to push the ball on the fast break, the shorthanded Speedwell team could not match the depth of Nailsea’s bench and the home team began to seem tired and frustrated. Forward Jon Taylor frequently came up with loose balls and offensive rebounds for easy second chance baskets. Combined with the outside shooting of Simon Baker, who finished with a team high fifteen points, Nailsea would end the half with a solid eleven point lead.

What should have been an easy start to the second half saw Nailsea giving up the ball on successive possessions, allowing Speedwell to score three fast break baskets, cutting the lead to five and providing the home team with the momentum to dominate the first five minutes of the half. Nailsea suffered it’s worst offensive output of the season, scoring only a single basket in the quarter on a driving reverse layup by guard Jake Watkins. A change in the defense following a Nailsea timeout would eventually slow down the resurgent Speedwell team, but not before the halftime lead was turned into a five point deficit.

Nailsea came out fighting in the final quarter, utilising a combination of stifling defense and a rejuvenated attack to level the score at 42-42 early in the fourth period. A strong zone defense led by game MVP Brian Gleeson saw Speedwell struggling offensively, turning the ball over and providing Nailsea with numerous opportunities to run the court and score, each member of the team working hard together to regain the lead. As the end of the game approached Speedwell were visibly deflated, and despite working hard to the final whistle it was Nailsea which came away with the win, 58-49.

Nailsea currently sit at the top of the league standings, and look to protect their perfect record Wednesday 25th October against the Gwent Knights. Home games take place at Nailsea School Sports Hall, supporters are welcome. Can Nailsea continue on undefeated in their first ever season?