MATCH REPORT: SK Nukes Reds 40 - Congleton Grizzlies 22

A slick performance from the runaway league leaders saw the Grizzlies Senior team defeated in their opening fixture in Stockport.

SK Nukes' well-drilled plays and all-round court awareness brought stand out performances from Matthew Stanley, Israel Faiora and Hamish Yates.

A resilient Grizzlies side, playing in their first-ever competitive fixture, were stimulated in the second-half, led by Ryan Anderson and Henry Stevens.

The Sport for all Centres winter season Division Three leaders slipped through the lane and were particularly deadly around the arc of the three-point line.

Early range-finders from the Nukes.

SK Nukes Reds came into the game with a couple of injuries but having won 13 out of 15 league games this season gave them confidence to assure Grizzlies of a competitive debut.

Congleton's opening point in league basketball came in the second minute from the free-throw line via Stevens.

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Nukes moved ahead as the first-half wore on as the patience of Stanley in possession allowed his team mates to find space moving up the court.

With the score at 14-3 after ten minutes, good grappling work from Andrew Brownlie secured rebounds under the net and forced Nukes to take the action outside the three-point line.

Chasing for rebounds as Shaw shoots from downtown.

The newcomers took their eye off the ball occasionally when going forward, and one counter-attack from an error returned Jet Mah up the left flank to secure two more points.

Going into the second half trailing by 16 and having only scored twice from open play, the Grizzles built momentum with their strongest line up taking the court.

Anderson made an immediate impact and Brownlie continued his focus inside the key but they came up against Yates, slowing the game down while carrying strapping on his ankle.

Grizzlies' determination and fight increased the foul count from both sides as SK Nukes pulled away with forwards going hard in the paint and getting rewards on the free-throw line.

Captain Harry Holland was involved in the halftime pep-talk.

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The final ten minutes saw a spirited and powerful fightback from the Congleton side as Stevens drew a foul and scored from the line to build on a three-pointer from the influential Anderson.

The Grizzlies return to the Stockport Sport for All Centre on 17 February to face fifth-placed Half Court Mess in week 18 of league fixtures.

Congleton Grizzlies are on Facebook, where you can also find their contact details for any enquiries.

See Also: Congleton Grizzlies creating an identity for community basketball club.

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