Crusaders Under 14’s first game in almost two months was away at Newham. This was a very tough fixture last year which Crusaders won by 2 in the last few seconds, this year the fixture didn’t disappoint.

Crusaders defensive record going into this game was the best in the league. They have worked extremely hard on defence however it would be tested a great deal in this game.

In the first quarter both sides started scoring with ease. Each using their athleticism and well worked offensive plays. Crusaders strong defensive work was lacking and the sides finished the quarter 18-19 to Crusaders.

The second quarter was very much the same as the first. However, Crusaders managed to find the edge and started to defend better so they finished the half up 38-34.

Crusaders started the third quarter much stronger than Newham and managed to create a 10 point gap before Newham closed it towards the end of the quarter to 5 points. Third quarter finished 52-57 to Crusaders.

The last quarter was the highest scoring quarter. Crusaders had 3 players fouled out which hasn’t happened before so this was a big test for the team to come through. It took a while for Crusaders to work out that time was on their side and once they had slowed the game down they managed to keep the 5 point lead to the end.

The Game ended Crusaders 80, Newham Youngbloods 75.

Coach Fenton said “Newham are probably the most established team in our league and to come away with 3 points is an excellent achievement, especially with the foul trouble we were in. Crusaders new signing and MVP, Joey Barra from Leatherhead, top scoring for Crusaders with 24.”

Coach Fenton went onto say, “I think that this game showed players that if you switch off on one end of the court, the other teams in the league will punish us, and that happened too often on Saturday, but to come away with a victory after not playing for nearly 2 months off was very important.”

Offensively, Dave Couchman and Kyle Vincett finished with their best displays of the season. With the further additions to the squad of Edan Backhouse from Simon Langton School and Declan Mccord from Canterbury High School, we now have 17 players who will enable us to push for the playoffs for the first time in the club history at this age group.

Micah Lakanu who broke both his wrists in training in November is expected back later this month. We wish him well on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Coach Matt Fenton’s MVP for this game was Joey Barra.

Crusaders have now won 8 from 8. The Sevenoaks results have been voided as they have now withdrawn from the league.