Off and Running

Swindon Shock rebound

 

Its been an up and down start to the season for Swindon Shock with a few disappointment.  Swindon Shock opened up their season versus Bristol Flyers II, but a shorthanded team found itself on the losing end of the opening National Cup game, Shock will look to rebound this Sunday at 3pm  In the National Shield versus their cross county rivals once again.

Although Shock opened the season with a lost to Flyers II they quickly rebounded pulling off a great home upset over division 3 Plymouth Raiders 75-63 in the National Shield just a week later.  The win was followed up by another win over a strong Oxford City team who were recently relegated to division 4, but a 78-53 win had shock riding hi.

The high came to a sudden crash as shock blew a 9 point 4th quarter lead with 5 minutes to play and couldn’t complete the Oxford sweep against Oxford Stealers.  A late controversial un-sportsman penalty with 7 seconds left gave Oxford two free throws down one point.  Oxford made both free-throw’s forcing Shock to foul again and a missed 3 pointer at the buzzer sealed Shocks fate to a 75-72 loss.

A game out of first place Shock then welcomed Sporting Club Albion from West Bromwich.  A quick start from Lithuanian sharp shooter Mantas Kimita pushed Shock to an early lead and big man Matt Ford was welcomed back from injury as he pounded West Brom inside for 16 points.  After the Controversial fould against him the week before Pavel Zakorska showed great poise and sturdy defence while pouring in 8 points on offence.

Guard Lee Hobbis continued his stellar season pouring in 13 point whilst drawing countless fouls and making 5 free-throws, and Matt North sealed the game pouring in 3 baskets late to seal the deal 71-62.

Coach David Colclough said after the game, “What a game!  We got young guys like JJ Royal playing outstanding defence, and Ollie Swann, coming off the bench hitting a massive three pointer as West Brom made a late run.  New comer Curtly Ferguson going to the basket as hard as he did put their best player in foul trouble and then steady young Alistair Tilney taking his next steps as he fights for a starting role with a team full of veteran season players, how can you not be proud of the team we have!”

The win has Shock riding high again and new faces coming back to the team Sunday should make for an exciting rematch against Flyers on Sunday.