Padgate Pistons 34 – 36 U11 Wildfire
In terms of offence, Wildfire started this game strongly and we’re able to get points on the board early on. They rebounded well but the Pistons were well organised and quick to break forward, which made them very difficult to pick up. Points were traded throughout a tightly contested first half, with Wildfire going into the break leading 17-20.Both teams played well from the restart and after 10 mins it was still a one point game. Wildfire’s rebounding dominance and a spell of strong defence in the middle of the court gave them the platform to build a ten point lead with 5 mins to go. Wildfire looked poised to close the game out and take the win but the Piston’s reacted- defending hard, high up the court, winning multiple turnovers and clawed their way back into contention. With a minute on the clock it was back to a two point game and momentum with the Pistons. But with hard defence comes a higher risk of fouls and throughout the second half the Pistons had been racking them up. With 7 seconds remaining only one point separated the teams, but an 8th team foul from the Pistons handed Wildfire 2 shots from the line. Under pressure, Wildfire took the opportunity and sealed the the win. Showing huge character and signing off 2023 with a nail-biting finish, Wildfire can look forward to an exciting 2024!
