On Tuesday last, Raptors travelled to Rainford for a very unsociable 7:15 start. With a very small squad the Raptors knew that it was going to be a challenge against a strong Rainford squad that included two of Raptors National League Team from last year.
Early on in the game the sides swapped baskets and play was fairly even, with all Raptors players making the score sheet and their man-to-man defense containing Rainford. Without a natural point guard Raptors had to adapt and Aaron Kay took on the initial responsibility. With a strong finish, Raptors edged the first quarter 15 – 13.
The second quarter started with Kay hitting key shots and after five minutes Raptors lead 23 – 19. Then the wheels fell off and the team failed to score for four minutes allowing the opposition to score 12 unanswered points! After a tough talking time-out Raptors finished stronger and trailed 32 – 27 at the half.
Rainford started the third quarter by putting more pressure on the Raptors players and they attempted to nullify the threat of Kay. Tiring a little the Raptors team failed to execute their plays, and with Rainford allowed to play a very physical game by the referees, frustration crept in and heads went down. Raptors were unable to respond to the requests of coaches Kay and Worsley and scrappy play in both offense and defence allowed Rainford to stretch their lead through easy scores and the quarter finished 46 – 33 in their favour.
The final quarter was just as bad for Raptors with players missing relatively easy baskets under pressure and allowing the opposition to score ten unanswered points and finish winners by 61 – 39.
The Raptors coach would have been happy pre-game to have only conceded sixty points against this side, but only scoring twelve points in the second half was a huge losing factor for Raptors. Fatigue played a huge part as the game progressed but players must not lose discipline and positioning.
Rainford shot an amazing 13/16 from the line compared to Raptors 5/14. Kay 16 and Platt 11 were the only Raptors players in double figures.