Derbyshire Arrows shrug off Hoods blow to prepare for league opener

Arrows went into the cauldron of Nottingham Hoods’ backyard in their second match in qualifying Pool Two of the cup competition, but they emerged with a narrow 70-66 defeat, which means they go out if Hoods also win their second and final pool tie.

Ironically, that tie is against Doncaster Danum Eagles, whom Arrows beat in their opening pool game and whom they now face in their Second Divisioon curtain-raiser, away from home.

“Although we are still in the Patrons Cup, our sights are now set on the league opener at Doncaster,” said coach Jonny Kelly. “We played well and beat them a fortnight ago, but that counts for little at this stage as teams change and get up to speed.

“We will need to take our top game to emerge victorious.”

With Arrows also in action in the National Cup, it was a busy weekend of action, and they were far from disgraced against Hoods.

Matt Wilson and Joseph Baugh were active in the first quarter and despite trailing 23-18 at the end of it, the Derbyshire outfit more than showed their intent.

The second quarter was a more defensive affair, ending with Arrows trailing 35-29. And they played well in the third quarter, even though Hoods extended their advantage to 54-43.

The visitors showed tremendous spirit in the final quarter as they tried to pull back the deficit. They won it 23-16, only to run out of time and fall by just four points. Baugh topped the points-scoring with 20, followed by Andreas Lycoudis with 12.

To top the pool and go through to the semis, Arrows must now hope Doncaster beat Hoods by 13 points or less.