The Worcestershire Basketball League has developed a division this year specifically for junior players and have attracted 9 teams. Bromsgrove Blaze have entered two teams and it was the ‘A’ team who competed in their first home fixture against Malvern Magic.

Blaze notched up 10 points in the opening minutes with Alex Lockwood driving hard for basket and scoring well executed shots. Sam Goulding, with his lightening quick hands, stole the ball and scored a further 6 points. Blaze played solid defence, allowing Magic to score just 8 points. Tim Ardron controlled the ball, feeding Adam Beaumont who netted 2 fine baskets. The score at the end of the first quarter was Blaze 24pts, Magic 8pts.

Magic fought back during the second quarter, scoring 10pts to Blaze’s 14. Chris Higgins used his height to add to Blaze’s tally, whilst Andy Barker also took every opportunity to score.

Magic continued to worry the Blaze defence during the remaining 2 quarters, but Blaze held firm. Luke Coffey and Guy Morris stepped up to score for the home side leaving Blaze comfortable winners by 74pts to 39pts.

Although the final score suggests a one sided game, this was not the case. Magic played very well and Blaze had to raise their game to stay on top.

Scorers for Blaze ‘A’:

          S.Goulding           18pts                    C.Higgins             18pts

          A.Beaumont       16pts                    A.Lockwood        9pts

          A.Barker                  7pts          G.Morris                 2pts

          T.Ardron                 2pts          L.Coffey                 2pts