WSN Basketball: Double trouble for the Wasps

Thanks to Dave Bushall and the guys at the Wasps for the following reports, covering the two games last weekend.

Hull Wasps failed to bounce back from last weekend's defeat against Burnley with a 74-56 defeat at Stockport Falcons.

A poor first half performance proved to be the ultimate downfall for the visiting Wasps as Stockport took complete control of the game. The Falcons took a 36-19 lead into the half-time interval.

Wasps managed to restore some pride in the second half by closing the gap in the third but it was all too late and ultimately failed to impact on the game.
Captain John Brignell was missing for the game and will also miss the game against Leeds Carnegie II tomorrow at the Bonus Arena, 6:30pm tip-off.

Matt Brutnell top-scored for the Wasps with 14 points, while James Rayner and Rob Birchmore contributed 12 and 8 points respectively.

Hull Wasps went down 86-67 to Division 3 Leeds Carnegie II in the National Shield on Sunday evening.

Leeds were always favourites but the Wasps put in a courageous performance but couldn't recover from a second-quarter run from the visitors.

Wasps held their own in the opening quarter but Leeds out-performed them in the second to open up a 17 point lead going into the half-time interval.

A very even second-half played out in front of the home crowd but the Wasps couldn’t bring themselves back into the game and Leeds claimed the spoils to head into the quarter-finals.

Following the weekend, Hull Wasps player-coach Matt Fawcett said: “We knew it would be a tough weekend against two top sides. So it proved.

“Stockport are undefeated but we felt confident going into the game that we could be the first team to beat them this season. We’re working harder each week and we have the players to go out there and perform each week.

“We’re making progress which is important and it was good to show that we can compete with the top teams, particularly with our performance on Sunday. There will be a game soon where we will start to click. A big win is on its way I’m sure.”

Adrian Blatherwick top scored for the Wasps with 28 points. James Rayner and Rob Birchmore scored 10 and 9 points respectively. Captain John Brignell missed the game but is set to return this Saturday against Mersey Tigers II at the Bonus Arena (5:30pm).