Rebel men rise above Newcastle in away game triumph

Essex Rebels Division 1 men’s team had their longest journey to Newcastle in their regular season match up. 

Newcastle are 4 – 1 in the league whilst Essex are 2 – 4 and are looking to snap their 4 game losing streak. 

The game started fast paced with both teams finding some offensive rhythm early on. Essex were able to build momentum the quickest and took a 8 point lead going into the second. 

The compact defence and flowing offence of the Rebels allowed them to increase the pressure on Newcastle and Essex were able to extend to a 13 point lead at half time. 

Coach Ross Norfolk knew that the game wasn’t done. Traditionally Newcastle are a side that don’t give up and often come back late in games. 

After half time, as expected Newcastle stepped up their defence intensity and began to play in transition. Late on in the third, Newcastle were able to claw it back into single figures and a timeout by Coach Norfolk allowed the Essex unit to rally together and review the game plan. 

Going into the final stanza, Newcastle pushed on again, going on a quick 6 – 0 run but the Rebels were able to fire back and stopped the Newcastle momentum in their tracks. Essex stepped up their tenacious defence and kept going to the hot hands of Lee Linton Hodges and Owen Chose. 

This poised and confident performance allowed Essex to run out winners 100 – 78.

Coach Ross Norfolk was pleased with the teams performance, “It’s a tough away game for us. The guys stayed locked in from the get go and knew how important it was for us to snap our losing streak. A disciplined  effort on the defensive end kick started our offensive play and allowed us to come away with solid win. “

Essex were led by big man Lee Linton Hodges with 25 points, whilst American Owen Chose pitched in with 22 points. 

The Rebels now prepare for their next game, where they host the Solent Kestrels at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday at 2pm.