Conquerors storm to victory

1066 CONQUERORS 97; HAYWARDS HEATH PANTHERS 58

THE 1066 Conquerors got the new year off to a flyer with a comprehensive win over Haywards Heath in a one-sided Sussex League game on Friday night at Helenswood Sports Centre, Hastings.

The win never looked in doubt as Conquerors got out of the blocks early and in fine fashion, notching up a first quarter lead of 33-18 - their highest points-per-quarter score this season.

Conquerors, not looking like a side missing three of its regular players in Simon Fortsch, Myles Danquah and Darren Dangerfield, worked well as a team to make up for their absence. Excellent steals and communication on defence from the starting five for the home side denied the Panthers the chance to get going and silence the home crowd.

American Al Wick led the way early for the Conquerors, dominating the offensive rebounds and providing the offence with some tough fadeaway jumpshots close to the basket. Thirteen points and an excellent overall performance from the Conquerors starting forward sealed his third MVP accolade of the season so far.

In the second quarter, strong drives to the basket from Jim Farley and Ben Waller kept the Conquerors in front while Nathan Weaver and Mark Jones gave the home team a huge boost with some relentless defence, creating turnovers from the visitors and getting out early on the fast break to score. The Panthers looked dejected as Conquerors went in at half time brimming with confidence, up 55-27.

In the third quarter, back-up point guard Luke Hunt was given his chance to run the Conquerors' offence and he did just that. The William Parker Sports College player hit the open jumpshots and, when unable to shoot, took the ball to the hoop for the lay-up.

James Tichband also worked hard, as always, to claim numerous rebounds. He scored 14 points and was a constant threat at both ends. Player-coach Andy Hodder scored 12 points, including an assortment of moves from creative post-play under the basket to finishing on the fast breaks with a strong move to the basket.

This was the Conquerors' best display of the season, and also their highest score and highest winning margin. Extremely pleased to have got back to their winning ways after a tough run of games in December, the Conquerors have now improved their record to five wins and three losses in all competitions this season, and move to second place in the league table.

Conquerors: Jim Farley 17pts, Ben Waller 16, James Tichband 14, Al Wick 13, Andy Hodder 12, Luke Hunt 9, Nathan Weaver 7, Mark Jones 5, Rob Abbotts 4.