Arrows blunted again in Newcastle defeat

The Linbraze Arrows were edged out for the second consecutive week, this time against Team Newcastle by a 76-70 scoreline.

The Arrows lacked precision and discipline in the final three minutes when possibly a lack of experience cost the Arrows.

Coach Jonny Kelly said: “I was pleased with our effort generally, but we need to execute clinically down the straight.

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“It is a huge couple of games before the break now and we must really give everything.”

The game was well contested throughout all four quarters with the Arrows taking a narrow 19-18 lead from the first quarter, Andreas Lycoudis scoring 12 points in the quarter and Napthali Nembhard impressing with his hustle and rebounding.

Team Newcastle were the better team in the second quarter, despite good play from Denis Scott and Johnny Broodie as the Arrows trailed by 39-36 at the interval.

The Arrows began the second half strongly as Scott and Joseph Baugh connected to level the scores at 43-43.

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However, the Arrows could not control Ramon Nelson, who helped himself to 12 points in the quarter as Team Newcastle led 63-54.

An opening three-pointer from Scott and good play from Broodie, followed by another three-pointer from Baugh, together with a number of blocked shots, locked the teams together at 68-68 with under five minutes to play.

However an inability to get the ball to drop in the closing stages saw the Arrows edged out 76-70 in the end.

The Arrows’ overall record is now 5-4 with two games remaining before the Christmas break away to Tees Valley and finally at home to Thames Valley on Saturday, 17th December.

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Arrows scorers: Andreas Lycoudis 18, Denis Scott 17, Joseph Baugh 14, Johnny Broodie 10, Matt Wilson 4, Napthali Nembhard 4, Luke Parker 2.

Rachel Campbell scored 25 points as the Derbyshire Gems recorded their first ever win at this level, beating Sheffield Hatters 78-57.

The Gems powered away from the Hatters on the back of a crushing 24-5 opening quarter and never released their grip on the game.

Rachel Campbell scored 10 points in the first quarter and this combined with six from Kate Loftus put the Gems in control.

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The defensive pressure from Grace Brownell and Kendal James shut down the Hatters who were relieved to see the quarter end trailing as they were by 20-5.

The Gems powered forward in the second quarter as Helena Palmer scored 8 points while Kelly Simcox and Grace Brownell helped maintain the pressure on the Hatters with smart finishes. Jade Clemenson swept the boards at both ends as the Gems led 44-17 at the interval.

The second half was scrappier, however, Campbell continued to entertain with a demonstration of her skill and athleticism as she finished repeatedly around the basket.

Throughout Kendal James showed her skill from the point guard position with some accurate shooting and some assists.

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There was time for all the Gems to see plenty of action and to entertain a good following as they secured a comfortable 78-57 victory.

Scorers: Rachel Campbell 25, Kendal James 18, Helena Palmer 11, Kate Loftus 7, Grace Brownell 5, Kelly Simcox 4, Frankie Harper 4, Jade Clemenson 2, Kate Bancroft 2.

This victory takes the Gems overall record to 5-1 with this week’s trip to Worcester closing down the campaign until the New Year.

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