Rebels land their first win
Essex Rebels division one men’s team had a long road trip this weekend. Travelling to the inform Nottingham Hoods on the Saturday and then a quick turn around on the Sunday playing Leicester warriors who are also in the relegation zone.
Saturday the Rebels put up a good first half performance, however the hoods came out firing in the 3rd which allowed them to stretch out a lead. Rebels couldn’t find the momentum needed to claw back and the game finished 97 – 67. Jake Eynon posted 14 points off the bench.
The quick turnaround saw Essex take a short trip to play Leicester. Leicester won on the Saturday which meant they picked up their second win of the season. Essex knew this was a must win game. Rebels started fast and were executing in the half court. However Leicester didn’t let up. They continued to win the rebound battle and pick up second chance opportunity which kept them in the game.
Late in the 3rd quarter Essex saw themselves down by 5, with the momentum swinging in favour of Leicester. The final stanza Rebels dug deep and rallied together to win the quarter 26 – 14 and the game took a massive swing. Some clutch free throws in the last seconds on the game saw Essex control the game and pick up their long awaited first Win of the season.
Lee Hodges was huge for the Rebels, contributing 21 points and 14 rebounds whilst Jake Eynon pitched 21 points as well.
Head Coach Ross Norfolk was happy with the performance, “The guys didn’t let up. Even when we were down, they stayed locked in and executed the game plan.”
Next week Essex have another long journey taking on Derby Trailblazers.
