Rebels Come Close in a Tight Contest
Essex Rebels Division 1 Men started 2022 in a close battle with top of the table Worthing Thunder.
The teams had an extended break over the Christmas period due to Covid, and were eager to continue the season.
The game went down to the wire, with Worthing edging Essex by 1 point finishing up 74 – 75.
It was a cagey and low scoring contest throughout with both teams finding their feet and eliminating the Christmas rust.
Late in the 3rd quarter the thunder extended their lead out to 10 points but the Rebels rallied and managed to stay in the game.
The 4th quarter saw a switch in tactics by Essex which allowed them to chip away at Worthing’s lead. Some great defensive stops from the home side allowed them to get some crucial extra possessions. Essex had a chance at the end from a out bounds play but weren’t able to convert.
The Rebels were led by Rory Winter with 20 points whilst Lee Hodges contributed a double double of 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Head Coach Ross Norfolk commented on the performance, “We were much better defensively this week. Needed to convert some of the easy plays early on which would have helped us down the stretch. Really happy with how the guys dug deep to chip away at their lead and give us an opportunity in the final moments”
Next week Essex have an away double header. Playing in form Nottingham Hoods on Saturday and then the quick turn around playing Leicester Warriors on Sunday.
