WILDCATS START IN DOUBLE QUICK TIME
The Durham Wildcats began life in a higher division in fine style, as they won back to back matches at the weekend.
On the Saturday they travelled to seasoned EBL2 campaigners Birmingham As, for a Northern Pool match in the Patron’s Cup, and came away with a convincing 19 point victory.
Nineteen hours later the Wildcats’ were on court again, at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre for their first home fixture of the season, in which they blew away old rivals Huddersfield Heat with a second half blitz that took them safely into the second round of the National Cup.
| After an even first quarter at Birmingham, Durham edged ahead in the second period, to lead by eleven at the break. Two free throws from Stephen Jones, and a Mark Elderkin “trey” to open the third quarter established a 16 point lead, and another nine unanswered points in mid quarter put the Wildcats in control, 35-57. The home side did fight back, to 42-57, but when Elderkin struck the first six points of the final stanza the Wildcats were in control, and held on to win 65-84. As usual good teamwork served the Wildcats well, and in addition to Elderkin’s team-high 22 points there was strong a contribution from Anthony Trigg (20), while Scott Morton and Stephen Jones weighed in with 14 apiece. “It took us a while to get going, but we played better as a team as the game went on” said coach Dave Elderkin. “It’s always pleasing to win, but even more so when it’s the first game in a higher league. |
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| “It’s too early in the season to draw any conclusions about where we stand in the division, but this will give us confidence to move forward.” | Mark Elderkin in Action |
Wildcats’ Scorers: Mark Elderkin 22; Anthony Trigg 20; Scott Morton 14; Stephen Jones 14; Michael Davis 6; Sam Chambers 6; Rafa Vilar-Franca 2; Tolis Apostolidis.
The following afternoon, Durham appeared to have their first home game well under control with a 14-2 opening, and a 26-9 first quarter.
A remarkable recovery by the visitors hauled them back to within seven points, thanks largely to 15 points from veteran Jason Swaine, but the Wildcats responded well in the third quarter, and then restricted the Heat to just two points (both from the free-throw line) in the fourth, to run out 93-57 winners. .
Scott Morton [pictured left] had a strong home debut, with 12 of his team-high 18 points coming in the second half. There was also a strong showing from fellow debutant Tolis Apostolidis, (13), while young John Morgan hit three “3”s in his ten point tally.
“It’s always more difficult to play defence against a team with one ‘go to’ player” said coach Elderkin, “but we concentrated much better in the second half and it paid dividends.”
Wildcats’ Scorers: Scott Morton 18; Mark Elderkin 15; Tolis Apostolidis 13; John Morgan 10; Stephen Jones 10; Michael Davis 10; Anthony Trigg 6; Sam Chambers 6; Rafa Vilar-Franca 6.
The Wildcats have a free weekend at the beginning of next month, but then face another double-header when they visit Team Northumbria and play host to Mansfield Giants, both in the Patron’s Cup, on 10th and 11th October.