Rossendale Raptors had a mixed opening weekend to the season winning in the first round of the national Cup but losing their opening league fixture in a game they will feel they should have won.
On Saturday another big crow were treated to a heart stopping game as the Raptors battled against the Stockport Falcons. Despite going being early in the game the Raptors slowly clawed their way back in want was a tough and physical game.
Stockports extra height advantage was a constant battle and the Raptors struggled to find a way to stem the scoring of Anthony Kuscaz and Laurie Warburg. Raptors star man Steven Gayle played well (32 points) despite carrying a bad knee injury sustained in the pre season friendly against the Giants. The Raptors were glad of a strong performance from utility man Angelo Kornecki (12 points 14 rebounds) but missed their new 6'6 signing Tom Sutton who will debut for the Raptors this weekend and bring some extra size to the side.Despite these struggles the Raptors pulled away in the fourth quarter but a furious comeback from Stockport levelled the scores with 90 seconds left. Raptors then made a couple of mistakes allowing Stockport to pinch the lead in the dying seconds and claim a 74-72 win.
On Sunday Raptors aimed to put off the disappointment and fatigue from Saturdays loss as they took on a young, tall athletic team; the Newcastle Under Lyne College Knights. Again it was a close a physical affair. With the knights leading for much of the game. But it was to be Raptors day behind another courageous performance from Guard Steve Gayle (28 points) who teamed up well with John Lindsay (21 points) and Angelo Kornecki (12 points, 14 rebounds) as they came back strong in the fourth quarter winning 72-70. Raptors will face Manchester Magic in the second round.
Two very entertaining and close games and the Raptors must have been pleased with the support at each game. Over 150 people enjoyed Saturdays fixture and were not only entertained by the crowd but te terrific dancers from Dance Like No-ones watching.
A representative from Club Sponsor ASK solicitors who watched the games was please with the performances. "I think the team will do well this season. As fans we were disappointed on Saturday in a game we maybe should have won, the players worked really hard and were a little unlucky, but it's a pleasure to be associated with the team and it's so nice to see local families coming to enjoy the experience and support the the Raptors."
The Raptors next home game is against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday 20th of September at 5:15pm.