U22 European Championships
Adana, Turkey
02 - 11 July 2008

Great Britain 45 - Germany 66

The team played and lost its final pool game today. Simon Brown and Robbie Cripwell-Davy did not play and this affected not only the teams composition but also it morale.

Being unable to qualify for the play off rounds, the game would not change our standing and was a chance to play those players that had not played many minutes.

We certainly missed Simon’s scoring ability and intensity at both ends of the floor.

1st Quarter - 10 – 21 We started Lee, Matt, Laurie, Kyle and Tom. We created plenty of scoring opportunities but could not convert, especially inside the key. Lee had picked up 2 fouls and Terry came into the game.

Scorers – Lee 6, Matt & Kyle 2 each

2nd Quarter - 13 – 15 A much better defensive performance restricted the Germans and kept the quarter much closer. Lee picked up his third foul and we subbed in Helen ad Nat and pressed. Helen made a great shot from the wing, a long 2.

Scorers – Nat 2, Kyle 9 (including a 3), Helen 2

At the half, we were 23 – 36

A 13 point deficit against the Germans mainly strongest 5 was very pleasing

3rd Quarter - 11 – 12 We continued with the press with Lee back in and the Germans struggled to break it. Harry Brown came into the game and again played with positive intent. There were numerous changes in this quarter and Terry & Laurie came back in.

Scorers – Matt 4, Tom 2, Lee 3, Kyle 2

4th Quarter - 11 - 18 We started the last quarter with Terry, Maddie, Harry, Nat & Laurie. This unit played incredibly well considering their average age would be around 15/16 years. Although they pushed the floor well, their defensive inexperience allowed the Germans some easy baskets. Our baskets were from good offences with Harry running the point and making a great 3 form the top and a 2 from the wing late in the game. Laurie also made a great, long 2 from the wing coming off a pick set by Terry.

Scorers – Harry 5, Laurie, Nat  & Matt 2 each.

The future looks good with these players in our programme.

We now play France for ninth place tomorrow and a repeat game the following day.

Turkey finished top or our group, courtesy of our setback, then Belgium & Germany.

In the other pool, Spain are leading the way, scoring at least 80 points against each team they have played and look favourites to repeat their success of two years ago.

Haj Bhania - Head Coach