Raptors II had a tremendous first quarter in their MABL Division 2 game and showed early that Bury might struggle to contain RR2 at full speed. Despite the absence of the teams usual fast break "racehorse" Adam Robinson" Raptors out ran and outplayed Bury in the first quarter with relentless fast breaks and high speed offence leading to a 29-17 scoreline and the end of the first period.
The highligh was undoubtedly Ben Chicken's first dunk in a competitive league game. Ben rose up for a huge haed on slam, and a cyncial push in the back had no effect as he threw it down to leave the backboard rattling and groaning.
In the second quarter Bury managed to slow the game down and improved defensively. In stark contrast to the first quarter, Bury were in complete control and with so many regular players missing, Raptors tired a little, and struggled for offence, and the half closed 37-35.
After the half time break Raptors improved again and looked good on the defensive boards as Bury's experienced and usaully clinical shooters failed to consistently make their mark. By the start of the fourth quarter Raptors led 52-43 but had four key players on four fouls as the young team had struggled and battled with Bury's bigs. Anton Korab and Ethan Beech stepped into to provide some rest for Martyn Taylor and others but by mid way through the quarter Bury had pulled their way right back into the game and led by six. Wearid attempts from the Raptors to shoot their way back into the game fel short, and Bury's excellent defence finally took its toll as the Raptors turned it over a number of times as they chased the game.
It was a strong team performance, and a game that could of gone either way, but Bury's experience and strength in depth shone through and despite a valiant attempt from the Raptors, Bury showed why they top the division.
Final score 76-66 with young captain Ben Chicken scoring 16, and Allen Hall - a recent addition to the Club scoring 32. Allen has impressed in both MABL divisions this season and no doubt his performances, along with Ben Chicken's, have caught the eye of the National League coaches who may well be looking to bring fresh blood into the squad next season.