Wilson on target to seal Arrows late comeback

Derbyshire Arrows hosted nearby rivals Nottingham Hoods on Saturday night in their second contest at the newly-built Queen's Park Sports Centre, running out 76-71 winners.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jan 2016, 08:50 BST
Updated 27th Jan 2016, 09:59 BST
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Derbyshire Arrows round-up

After a disappointing performance the week before, the hosts had a lot to prove against second-placed Hoods.

The home side took a while to find their feet as the visitors jumped into a 12-2 lead. Arrows, unfazed, fought back, with Joseph Baugh’s eight points and Dennis Scott’s nine in the first quarter.

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The second quarter saw all the Arrows players getting in to the action. Paul Heymann, Dan Turner and Liam Lacey all made an appearance and helped the hosts stay with the visitors.

Heymann scored five points in the quarter with John Broodie getting some baskets to keep the scoreboard ticking for the Arrows, who were behind 42-41 at the break.

The third quarter belonged to the Hoods with the Arrows offence struggling to find rhythm. There was more points for Broodie and a spectacular shot by captain James Kelly.

But, with ten minutes remaining, Hoods led 60-52.

Arrows have had multiple comeback victories already this season and they managed to produce a classic for all to savour. After trading baskets at the start of the quarter, Arrows went on a sensational run.

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Ross Walcott from the U18s came up big for Arrows as he played excellent defence on a dangerous Hoods player and contributed no less than six points in the final quarter.

Walcott’s third basket being the basket that sneaked the hosts into the lead with under two minutes remaining. The Queen’s Park crowd were sent into delirium when a Scott pass found a cutting Matt Wilson to score the basket to settle the game and move the Arrows to an 8-3 record.

Arrows Scorers: Baugh 23, Scott 19, Broodie 12, Heymann 7, Wilson 7, Walcott 6 and Kelly 2.

Arrows travelled to Southampton on Sunday with tired legs from the night before and the memories of the last meet just a week earlier with Solent, losing 75-70.

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Coach Jonathan Kelly said: “We were six points away from a perfect weekend. I came in with the thought that one win of two is essential and two out of two would be amazing.

“We did exactly what I wanted and I couldn’t fault the team in the slightest. I hope we keep improving.”

Added: “And we perform to our best ability against Worcester at Queens Park on Saturday.”