The Raptors opened their National Basketball League campaign against Hull Wasps last Saturday.
Hull have been a consistently strong team in the league over several years and proved to be too strong for the Raptors.
Hull soon jumped to a 12-0 lead, making it an uphill struggle for the Raptors from the word go. The team struggled to find their rhythm, struggled to make their shots and seemed to be suffering from a lack of confidence.
The second quarter wasn’t much better as Rossendale went in at half-time 23 points behind.
In the second half, however, Rossendale seemed a different team and scored more freely with 11 points from Steve Graham, 11 points from the experienced Spanish veteran Aitor Estrada and eight points each for local boys Angelo Kornecki and John Lindsay.
Although Rossendale pulled it back to trail by only eight points at one stage in the last quarter Hull held on for a 71-56 win.
First team coach Jim Fry said: "We have to remember that we are a new team who have only played a handful of games together.
"There were some positive signs that we are starting to gel and in the second half we played well.
"We have a deep squad with lots of talent and as the season progresses we will get better."
With a rest next weekend Raptors next National League game is on Saturday 22 October against Tees Valley Mohawks.
In the meantime the Raptors’ home court will be upgraded by Rossendale Leisure Trust, who are providing new backboards and baskets in order that the facility meets England Basketball specifications.
Raptors’ development team continued their unbeaten start to the season with an impressive win against Congleton in the Manchester Area Basketball League Division 2.
Youngsters Anton Korab, Tom Gold and Adam Robinson all made home debuts while more experienced club players like Jimmy Munday and Roger Fulton did a great job of guiding the youngsters and provided the platform for the younger players to demonstrate their potential.
Despite trailing 21-19 at half-time Rossendale pulled away in the second half as Adam Robinson gained his confidence and scored 10 points.
The final score was 51-37 and team coach Mark Williams said: "It’s terrific to see the younger players growing in confidence each week.
"We have a great team spirit and it’s a pleasure to work with such a positive group of players.
"The older players do a good job of mentoring the younger lads and giving them the opportunity to show us what they can do."
The Under 14s and Under 16 teams start their league seasons and there are lots of training sessions for people to have a go at playing basketball.
Visit the club website www.rossendaleraptors.co.uk for further information.
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