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UEL Pirates

By Chris Deacon

20 Nov - Essex Pirates 73:89 Guildford Heat
21 Nov - Essex Pirates 82:101 Leicester Riders

UEL students Colin Sing, Myles Hesson and Jamell Anderson were in Southend as part of the Essex Pirates Basketball team to face Guildford and Leicester this weekend.

Myles had to sit out of the action as recovers from a broken ankle back , but was able to watch his colleagues take on two tough opponents.

Saturday 20th Colin and Jamell were soon on the score sheet getting six points between them. It was a match the Pirates struggled to control. In the first quarter consecutive bursts of 9-0 and 13-0 left them trailing 28-9. They battled back hard and came close in the fourth quarter when a two from Captain Sam Toluwase left the deficit at seven points. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough and it finished 73-89.

The following day Leicester came to town and the Essex team were a shadow of the disorganised outfit that had faced the Heat. Strong rebounding numbers and alert attacking play meant they made good ground in the first quarter. However, a swift seven with no reply from Leicester soon gave them the lead which they held onto until the third quarter.

Jamell came up with a quick break away two before points from Daniel Briglia and Walid Mumuni gave the Pirates a 57-56 lead. The game then swung one way and the other before the Riders won it in spectacular fashion.

In the final quarter no less than five attempts from downtown were netted by Ryan Zamroz. His 15 point turnover widened the gap on the scoreboard and Leicester ran away to get 101 and finish their weekend on a high.

Essex Head Coach Tim Lewis was pleased with both of the UEL players; highlighting Jamell’s strong play. “I’m happy with a lot of the guys; Jamell’s defensive intensity certainly stimulates a lot for us.” It was clearly a frustrating weekend and he added “That comes with young guys. That said; it can’t keep being an excuse.”

The Pirates now await a home game against Sheffield Sharks on 11th December, Tip-off at 7.30pm.

Chris Deacon is a Sports Journalism student at the University of East London

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