A super example of Basketball was played at Haslingden Sports Centre on Saturday as Raptors hosted Former Division 2 side Birmingham Athletics. Kieran Forsythe debuted for the Raptors just hours after the birth of his child and put in a promising performance. It was a double overtime thriller with the game going from end to end and the lead exchanging hands several times but the Raptors managed to snatch the win 96-91.
Both teams started cautiously with the A's taking the advantage with some fine 3point shooting and putting Raptors under pressure from the start. Both teams played with pace and tenacity and before long both teams knew it was going to be a tough game! Neither team giving an inch. Raptors trailed after the first quarter 20-27 and again still trailed at the half 40-44. Steven Gayle was having a strong game but the Raptors were also getting consistent output from all their players with everyone contributing. Youngster Jalees Siddiq was tenacious defensively and made a significant impact on the game.
In the second half Raptors slowly clawed their way level only to drop behind again at the close of the third quarter 52-56. With Birmingham shooting so well it was goig to be difficult for the Raptors, and the travelling fans from Birmingham were really getting behind their team. But the Raptors responded terrifically as Gayle started to impose himself more and more and the Raptors were ahead 77-75 with 30 seconds left, but Birmingam managed to score a game tying basket to take the game to extra time. In the first 5 minute period of overtime, the Raptors jumped out to a five point lead, but the young Birmingham side showed great determination to again draw level and get themselves 2 points ahead in the closing seconds but Angelo Kornecki sank two free throws to tie the scores at 84-84 at the end of the first period of overtime. In the second 5 minute period of extra time Raptors showed their experience and strength of character, led by Gayle who’s defensive energy carried the Raptors home to victory in dramatic fashion 96-91. A super effort going into next weeks away game top of the table clash between ourselves and the Derby Trailblazers.
The Raptors next home game is on Saturday 26th January where the Raptors will be offering FREE admission thanks to our Sponsors ASK Solicitors. www.asksolicitors.co.uk