Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair
Basketball Club
2nd Division Team
Match Reports from the
2009 – 2010 season
MANY THANKS to Cardiff Party Boat for providing these Warm Up Tops!
Entry to all our games is free - and spectators are very very welcome. A noisy
home crowd gives us a massive advantage and is greatly appreciated - so
please come along and support your local wheelchair basketball club.
GREAT NEWS - The CELTS first team have won their first EVER 2nd
Division Basketball match ...beating Aylesbury ACES 47 - 31 at Eastern
Leisure Centre on Sunday 11th October 2009.
Having been promoted to the Second Division at the end of last season, the
CELTS first team got their 2009-2010 season off to an amazing start - with a win
over the Aylesbury Aces on Sunday 11th October 2009.
The CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's first team finished second in the
National League's third division at the end of last season - and after the play-offs
and a nervous wait we found out we had been promoted to the Second Division
for the 2009-2010 season!!! This was a massive achievement for a Club which
has only been playing competitively for three seasons - and is a testament to all
the hard work that the players, coaches, volunteers and supporters have put in
over the past three years….so we would like to start this match report by saying
a huge THANK YOU to everyone involved!
Sunday 11th October 2009 saw the CELTS playing their first ever second
division game…and to say we were nervous would be an under-statement. We
had no idea what to expect and were nervous about how we would compete in
the second division.
The match tipped off at 12.50pm at Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff and, after
winning the tip, the Aces scored two baskets (both long outside shots) almost
immediately. Instead of scaring the CELTS into submission, however, this
inspired the home team into its usual rhythm. The pre-match nerves and
insecurities fell away and the CELTS began to play their own - they came
storming back with 5 baskets of their own. The teams traded baskets for the
remainder of the period and the CELTS went into the first break 13-6.
After a show of solid outside shooting from the Aces, the CELTS changed to a
pressing defence for the second period and both teams scored consistently
throughout the ten minute period. The CELTS made a lot of scoring opportunities
for themselves but failed to capitalise on the majority of them. The CELTS court
play was, on the whole, more varied and opportunistic than the Aces and the
CELTS created more scoring opportunities than the score reflected in the second
period - but the Aces kept pace with the CELTS scoring rate (both teams
managed to score 12 points each) and we went into the half-time break 25 - 18 in
the lead.
The team's remained dead-locked in the third period. The CELTS were creating a
lot of opportunities and the Aces were beginning to break through the press both teams were struggling with the very "bouncy" rings in the hall and the
scoring rate didn't reflect the fast pace and aggression of the game. The CELTS
retained their lead and went into the fourth and final period 33 - 24.
The last period was very closely fought. The CELTS remained in a pressing
defence and the Aces began to hustle the CELTS in an attempt to claw back
some of the lead and disrupt the momentum that the CELTS had established.
The last few minutes, however, saw the Aces grip on the match slip slightly and
the CELTS were able to score a number of quick lay-ups…which led to a final
score which suggests that the gap between the two teams was greater than it
actually was.
Final Score : CELTS 47
- Aces 31
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 16; Caroline Matthews - 13; Phil Cochrane - 8;
Romeo Ebassa Embolo - 4; Steve McGrath - 2; Mo Khan 2 and Julie Salmon 2.
For its first adventure into the Second Division, the CELTS did incredibly well to
win this match. It would have been entirely understandable for the CELTS to
crack under the sheer anticipation of playing against such a well-established
club. However, their CELTS held their nerve and, despite not playing at their
best, managed a convincing win over the Aces. The CELTS realised that
promotion to the second division would involve a huge step up in both tempo and
skill…and we still have some rust to work out after the long summer break.
However, ALL of the CELTS managed to score in this match - it was a true team
effort - and this amazing result should certainly boost the CELTS confidence for
the remainder of its first season in the Second Division.
Well done guys!!
The CELTS first team's next match is away at Force in London on Saturday 17th
October 2009 - the results and a match report will be posted on this website
shortly after the game. The CELTS next homes game is against Exeter Otters on
Saturday 7th November 2009, tip off at 1.50pm. The Otters are a young and
speedy team who field a number of current and potential Great Britain players its certain to be a dynamic and exciting clash. A noisy home crowd would
certainly help us and entry to all our games is free - so please come along and
support us!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
WELL DONE CELTS - GREAT START TO THE NEW SEASON!!!
The CELTS first team win AGAIN in their second Division Two match - beating
Aspire Force 42 - 36 in a closely fought encounter on Saturday 17th October
2009.
After a disastrous start, the Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's
first team win AGAIN in their second match in Division Two - beating
Aspire Force 42 - 36 in a closely fought encounter on Saturday 17th
October 2009.
Final score : CELTS 42 - 36 Aces
The Cardiff CELTS first team's trip to Stanmore (North London) to play Aspire
Force got off to a very difficult start when the trusty van (which was already
loaded with all the team's wheelchairs) steadfastly refused to start! This resulted
in a re-arranging of cars and slightly later than advertised departure from Cardiff.
After a quick stop in the services, we arrived and got into our sports-chairs just 9
minutes before the match was scheduled to start!! It was also quite intimidating to
see a very full Force bench, compared to the 6 CELTS players that had been
able to make the game.
The rushed journey and disorganised and short warm-up left the CELTS with
their minds still "on the road" and they got the match off to a terrible start. The
Force team included some very quick and accurate shooters and the CELTS,
who started in a zone defence, were initially unable to prevent them from almost
scoring at will. The Force coach had prepared his team with a defensive structure
that targeted the CELTS' leading scorers. The lack of focus from the CELTS led
to a lot of intercepted passes and turn-overs at the start of the game, allowing
Force to achieve a considerable and unanswered lead by the end of the first
period. The CELTS went into first break trailing 14 - 6.
The CELTS, however, refused to lie down. A sharp talk from head coach Holly
Hinchey helped to concentrate the CELTS on the task at hand and their defence
was adjusted to deal with Force's leading scorers. The second period began at a
similarly furious and physical pace but the sharper performance from the CELTS
enabled them to trade basket for basket with Force. In fact, the CELTS managed
to score two points more than Force in the second period, resulting in the CELTS
going into the half time break behind 26 - 20.
The CELTS improved accuracy and care with the ball had allowed them to keep
pace with Force in the second period, but more was clearly needed if the CELTS
were going to significantly close the gap. And more was what the CELTS gave!
The third period completely changed the whole momentum of the match. The
CELTS started aggressively and, having changed to a pressing defence, were
able to secure a number of 8 second calls and other turn-overs in their favour.
Three minutes into the period the CELTS had drawn level with Force on 28
points - but the CELTS didn't relent. They continued to press and take advantage
of the impetus they had established and, now that they had worked their way
back into the game, the confidence returned to their shooting. The CELTS won
the third period 16 - 4, bringing the score at the end of the third period to 30 - 36
to the CELTS.
The fourth period saw Force also bring a press to the court and both teams
fought an aggressive a stalemated final period. The CELTS continued to pull
away from Force at the beginning of the period but Force managed to score a
few desperate last baskets to bring the score for the period level on 6 points for
each team. The CELTS held the ball for the full 24 seconds of their remaining
offences and tactfully ran the clock down. The CELTS ended the match with a six
point lead.
Final Score : CELTS 42
- Force 36
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 25; Caroline Matthews - 9; Mo Khan - 4; Steve
McGrath - 2 and Julie Salmon - 2.
After such an awful start the CELTS did amazingly well to claw their way back
into this game. And it was really great news that the third period saw the CELTS
produce some of their best basketball - the CELTS often struggle to perform in
the third period, straight after the half time break, but it was the third period that
changed the whole momentum of the game and handed victory to the CELTS.
The CELTS captain, Liam Holt, managed to put a massive 25 points on the
board whilst Mo Khan put in his best "all round game" performance to date. This
was a really excellent team performance - well done guys!!
The Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's first team are the "new guys" in
the southern region of the Second Division. Their match on Saturday 17th
October 2009 saw their second ever game in the second division - and their
second win of the season. They have already proved that their promotion was no
accident and are looking forward to the remainder of the season.
The CELTS first team's next match is at home (Eastern Leisure Centre) against
Exeter Otters on Saturday 7th November 2009, tip off at 1.50pm. The Otters are
a young and speedy team who field a number of current and potential Great
Britain players - its certain to be a dynamic and exciting clash. A noisy home
crowd would certainly help us and entry to all our games is free - so please come
along and support us!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
After a valiant fight, the CELTS first team lose against Exeter Otters on Saturday
7th November 2009.
Final score : CELTS 40 - 59 Otters
Everyone expected a tough match today - the Exeter Otters are currently "top of
the table" in the second division and have a selection of tall, quick and accurate
players. It's a long established club who have competed in the second division for
many years. The Cardiff CELTS, on the other hand, are a relatively new team
who have only just won promotion to the second division. The CELTS, however,
were not intimidated.
The third match of the newly promoted Cardiff CELTS 2009 - 2010 season got off
to an excellent and very quick start. Much to everyone's surprise, the CELTS
drew first blood and after 4 minutes were 8-2 up on the beleaguered Otters. The
Otters called a quick time out and came flying back against the CELTS in the
second half of the first period. Despite the CELTS best efforts, the Otters
managed to draw level with the CELTS and the score at the end of the first
period was 16 points each.
The Otters had not, however, entirely interrupted the momentum initially
established by the CELTS. The home side came out strong in the second quarter
and put up three unanswered baskets before the Otters could get back into their
game. The CELTS adjusted their defence to focus on Damian Hourd and Jordan
Bright who, between them, were scoring all of the Otters points and managed to
win the second period 12 - 8, bringing the half time score to CELTS 28 Otters 24.
After a ten minute half time break, the Otters launches ferociously into the third
period. Their coach had adjusted his defensive structure to keep the primary
CELTS threats out of their offensive game which, together with a pressing
defence after each score, managed to disrupt the CELTS game almost entirely.
The CELTS began to rush and struggle with possession which resulted in an
increasing number of intercepted passes and turn-overs. The CELTS were able
to achieve scoring opportunities but were only able to convert a few and the
home sides scoring rate crashed. By the end of the third quarter, the Otters had
began to run away with the match. They outscored the CELTS 11 - 4.
The Otters had the benefit of a full (and thoroughly talented) bench and, in the
fourth period, their coach was now able to capitalise on that advantage. The
CELTS only had 6 players and all were now tiring. The Otters began to rotate
through their players and the CELTS were unable to maintain the pace. The
CELTS continued to score but could not respond to the fast breaks that the
Otters were now achieving and the Otters won the final period 24 - 8.
Final Score : CELTS 40
- Otters 59
CELTS Scorers : Caroline Matthews - 20; Liam Holt - 11; Phil Cochrane - 7 and
Steve McGrath - 2.
This encounter with the Exeter Otters saw the Cardiff CELTS first team endure
their first defeat of the 2009 - 2010 season. Considering that the CELTS have
only just been promoted to the second division, they have had an incredible start
(with two wins) and will learn a lot from this meeting with the Otters. This was a
very fast paced match and the CELTS suffered from short bench - the length and
depth of the Otters bench meant that they could continue to rotate players
throughout the game. The game was incredibly tightly played and hard (but fairly)
fought and the Otters' scoring run in the final period made the scoreline look
worse than it actually was. The CELTS will look forward to seeing the Otters
again in the new year.
The CELTS first team's next match is away in Aylesbury on 5th December 2009.
Their next home match (at Eastern Leisure Centre) will be against the Hereward
Heat on Saturday 12th December 2009, tip off at 1.50pm. We don't know
anything about the Heat - except that they are a well established second division
team who are sure to provide the CELTS with a very tough match!
The CELTS second team (who compete in the National League fourth division)
have matches away in Gloucester against the Blazers and the Bears on Saturday
28th November 2009. The CELTS II next home game is against Gloucester
Blazers on Saturday 12th December 2009, tip off at 3.30pm. It follows on straight
after the first team match!
A noisy home crowd would certainly help both of our CELTS teams and entry to
all our games is free - so please come along and support us! It would be great to
meet you at one of our matches soon!
We wish all our CELTS luck with their upcoming away games.
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
After coming back from a considerable deficit the CELTS are unable to
hold onto their lead and lose by one point (41-42) to Aylesbury Aces on
Saturday 5th December 2009
Final score : CELTS 41 - 42 Aces
The CELTS lost the tip but quickly stole the ball back from the Aces.
Unfortunately, however, the CELTS were unable to convert their first opportunity
and it was the Aces that put the first points on the board in the second minute.
The CELTS had started slowly after the long drive to Buckinghamshire and the
Aces, who took full advantage of the CELTS' hesitant start, began a first period
scoring run of roughly two baskets to every one from the CELTS. The first ten
minute period ended with the ACES having dominated the offensive boards and
enjoying a comfortable lead at 14-6.
The CELTS Head coach Holly Hinchey regrouped the CELTS and they went
back onto the court for the second period in a much more aggressive and uptempo fashion. Two quick baskets from the CELTS' Caroline Matthews within the
opening minute brought a definite change in the momentum of the game and the
CELTS came roaring back at the Aces. Baskets began to fall for the CELTS'
Captain Liam Holt, Phil Cochrane and Matthews and the CELTS clawed their
way back into the match with some expert picking from Julie Salmon. The
CELTS won the second period 13-8, taking them into the half time break just
three points behind Aces with the score at 22-19. Rhys Thomas, who has only
recently joined the CELTS and taken up wheelchair basketball, made his debut in
the second period and performed amazingly well under a press and in a fast and
tense match - a sign of good things to come!
The ten minute half time break saw the CELTS relax slightly and this resulted in
an uncertain start to the third period - the Aces scored two quick baskets to reestablish a 7 point lead. The CELTS have been working hard recently to improve
on their historically "wobbly" third period performances and these two initial
baskets from the Aces were enough to spur the CELTS into a scoring spree
which they maintained throughout the period. The CELTS' Phil Cochrane
produced a jaw-dropping reverse scoop lay-up that stopped everyone in their
tracks and Mo Khan made some blistering shots at speed and under pressure!
The CELTS won the third period 8 - 13 which took them into the final break with
the benefit of a narrow two point lead (30 - 32).
Again the Aces were first to put points on the board in the final quarter which
brought the two teams level and for the next 6 minutes the CELTS and Aces
traded baskets - neither was able to pull away from the other. An
unsportsmanlike foul from the Aces gave the CELTS an opportunity to pull away
but the away team was tiring on the unfamiliar and demanding rubber court floor
and they failed to fully capitalise. A quick basket and a free throw from the
CELTS finally gave them a three point lead (41 - 38) with a minute and a half left
on the clock. Small lapses in concentration from the tired CELTS, however, saw
the Aces take a last minute lead with two baskets….leaving the score at 42-41 (in
the Aces favour) and with the CELTS in possession for the final offence. The
point guard Holt launched the ball into Matthews on the edge of the key - who
shot….and scored. Unfortunately the ref's considered that the shot was taken
after the final buzzer, the basket was dis-allowed and a win by the narrowest of
margins was handed to the Aces.
Final Score : CELTS 41
-
Aces 42
CELTS Scorers : Caroline Matthews - 15; Liam Holt - 11; Phil Cochrane - 10 and
Mo Khan - 5 points.
The CELTS had a very short bench and players carrying injuries on this occasion
- and the rubber surface of the away match venue certainly took its toll over the
course of 40 minutes. We have already played (and beaten) the Aces once this
season and we knew it would be very difficult to repeat that result on the Aces
home court. Despite being disappointed to lose such a close game, the CELTS
performed very well and remained calm under considerable pressure as this
incredibly close match came to a close - so the future still looks bright!
The CELTS arrived at the venue in time to watch the end of the Superleague
encounter between Aylesbury Aces and Oldham Owls which showcased many
current and former GB men and women - it was a very inspirational game for the
CELTS players to watch. The CELTS have only recently gained promotion to the
second division - which was an amazing achievement for such a relatively new
club (in the league for only 4 seasons).
The CELTS first team's next match is home (at Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff)
on Saturday 12th December 2009 against Hereward Heat, tip off at 1.50pm. We
don't know anything about the Heat - except that they are a well established
second division team who are sure to provide the CELTS with a very tough
match!
The CELTS second team (who compete in the National League fourth division)
have a friendly game against Gloucester Blazers on Saturday 12th December
2009, tip off at 3.30pm. It follows on straight after the first team match!
A noisy home crowd would certainly help both of our CELTS teams and entry to
all our games is free - so please come along and support us!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by C Matthews
The CELTS hold their nerve to close out a tight game against the Hereward
Heat on Saturday 12th December 2009.
Final score : CELTS 41 - 34 Heat
Still recovering from the previous weekends difficult loss to the Aces, the CELTS
first team were playing in their home venue (Eastern Leisure Centre, Cardiff) on
Saturday 12th December 2009 against Hereward Heat.
Some last minute transport difficulties led to a slightly disrupted warm up for the
home team and they faced the much taller and longer bench of the well establish
Heat club with some trepidation. The CELTS first team have only just won
promotion to the second division, whilst the Heat team have just been demoted
from the first division for the current season. All of which led to a tight and
nervous start from the CELTS.
We lost the tip and the Heat were the first to open the scoring but the CELTS
soon discovered that they were more than a match for the Heat (in terms of
speed and skill) and stayed with the Heat point for point throughout the first
period. The CELTS actually generated more scoring opportunities then the Heat
but the calmer nerves of the Heat team meant that they were able to convert
more of their chances. The CELTS shooting was tense and the baskets were not
dropping readily. The first ten minutes were tight and scrappy and it was a only a
last second buzzer-beater from the CELTS captain Liam holt that enabled the
CELTS to finish the period tied with the Heat on 8 points each.
The CELTS had pressed the Heat from the start. The speed of the Heat's Matt
Coleman meant that they were able to bring the ball up the court on most
occasions, however some excellent switching from the CELTS frustrated most of
the lay-up opportunities that the Heat had created for themselves. The second
period saw the CELTS begin to relax into the match and in the second half of the
quarter they began to establish some momentum. A quick series of baskets from
the CELTS' Holt, Caroline Matthews, Mo Khan and Phil Cochrane led to the
CELTS winning the quarter 10-6. The Heat responded aggressively and the
game became quite physical but the CELTS went into the half time break with a
narrow lead at 18-14.
During half time, the CELTS head coach Holly Hinchey, made a number of
adjustments to the CELTS players and defensive tactics - but the Heat brought a
new line-up to the court in the third period which thwarted most of those changes.
The match continued to be a closely fought and physical encounter and the ref's
were forced to regularly interrupt the flow of the match as a result. Initially, the
CELTS scoring rate had dried up and the Heat were regaining momentum in the
match. The score line drew closer but an amazing trio of baskets in quick
succession from the CELTS' Julie Salmon re-established the CELTS' narrow
lead. The CELTS' newest rookie, Rhys Thomas, also made a valuable
contribution to the quarter at both ends of the court. The Heat were not easily
beaten however and the period ended with both teams having scored 10 points
each. The CELTS went into the final period clinging onto the four point lead they
had established in the second quarter.
The momentum had definitely swung back in favour of the Heat in the third
period and the CELTS were now feeling the pressure again going into the final
quarter. The period opened, however, with two quick baskets from the CELTS'
Caroline Matthews and the home side immediately re-established the upperhand. The CELTS succeeding in keeping their nerve for the final ten minutes and
were rewarded with the highest scoring period of the whole match. After just four
minutes the CELTS had established an 11 point lead, but the Heat were not
giving up without a fight and came blistering back at the CELTS in the final 5
minutes. They had left it too late to mount the come-back, however, and the
CELTS won the final period 13-10.
Final Score : CELTS 41
-
Heat 34
CELTS Scorers : Caroline Matthews - 10; Liam Holt - 10; Julie Salmon - 6; Phil
Cochrane - 5; Mo Khan - 4 points; Steve McGrath - 2; Romeo Ebassa Embolo - 2
and Rhys Thomas - 2.
The CELTS fought hard for 40 minutes to secure this win over the Heat - and
considering the Heat have only just dropped down from the first division, the
CELTS can be very pleased with themselves going into the Christmas break. The
CELTS held their nerve under pressure in the final period and, generally, were
very solid in defence. This was a real team effort, an excellent and gritty
performance and a great win for the new team in 2nd division!
The CELTS first team's next match is away in Birmingham on Sunday 10th
January 2010. Our next home match (at Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff) is on
Saturday 16th January 2009 against Essex Outlaws, tip off at 11.50am. Essex
Outlaws are part of a large and well established wheelchair basketball club - so
its sure to be a tough encounter!
A noisy home crowd would certainly help us and entry to all our games is free so please come along and support us!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by C Matthews
The CELTS fight hard with a short bench over a two match weekend
(Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st January 2010) - but come away without a
win.
Final score : CELTS 33 - 43 Heat
Final score : CELTS 46 - 58 Outlaws
Saturday 30th January 2010
The CELTS left a snowy Cardiff bright and early on Saturday 30th January 2010
and made the long journey to Hereward (near Cambridge) to play the Heat. The
CELTS travelled with only 6 players this weekend and played the whole 40
minutes against Heat with only 8 points on court!!
The CELTS drew first blood but the Heat were quick to retaliate and both teams
traded baskets throughout the first ten minute period. The pace of the match was
fast with both teams securing valuable scoring opportunities. The CELTS were
penetrating into the key and scoring inside whilst the Heat's veteran players
seemed to score at will with long outside shots. The first period saw the Heat
take a narrow lead and went into the first break 10 - 9 ahead.
Again the CELTS scored first in the second period, with another inside shot, and
(again) the Heat retaliated. Each basket saw the narrow lead changes hands
until the Heat managed to pull together two baskets in a row in the final minute of
the quarter. The Heat won the period narrowly 11 - 9 and gave the home team a
half time lead of 21 - 18.
Some of the key Heat scorers had been delayed by a road closure, but they
showed up in time to take part in the match after the half time break. The CELTS
head coach, Holly Hinchey, was forced into an early time out to adjust the
CELTS defence to cover the new offensive threats from the Heat. This slowed
the Heat's scoring rate, however, the Heat had also identified the main scoring
threats from the CELTS and similarly pinned those players away from the basket!
The result was an extremely hard fought third period. In the end, a few sloppy
passes from the away team gave the Heat the edge and they won the third
period 12 - 8.
The teams went into the final quarter with the Heat in the lead by only 7
points (33 - 26). The CELTS knew that the game was still within their reach - but
the pressure to score led to some defensive errors from the tiring CELTS (who
had not been able to substitute for the entire match) and the Heat won the final
period 10 - 7.
Final Score : CELTS 33 - Heat 43
CELTS Scorers : Caroline Matthews - 17; Liam Holt - 11; Steve McGrath - 5.
The exhausted CELTS hit the road and headed for Chelmsford - where they
stayed overnight before their match the following day against Essex Outlaws…
Sunday 31st January 2010
The CELTS won the tip and took advantage immediately. The Outlaws, however,
had a very long and talented bench and they were very quick to respond. Three
quick baskets came from some excellent outside shooting and the CELTS were
forced into a very early timeout. The re-grouped CELTS were able to trade
baskets with the Outlaws for the remainder of the first period and the home team
went into the first break 18 - 13 in the lead.
The CELTS fought back hard in the second period. They had identified the main
threats from the Outlaws and the defence had been adjusted accordingly. The
Outlaws speed (and home court) gave them a slight advantage but the CELTS
persisted and won the second period 14 - 12. The match was proving to be a
very fast paced and high scoring affair - with a half time score (in the Outlaws
favour) of 30 - 27.
The CELTS continued to hussle the Outlaws main offensive threats in the third
period which held them to 6 baskets in the quarter. In terms of scoring
opportunities, the CELTS should have won the third period - but their shots were
starting to fall short and they missed all 9 of the free throws they were awarded in
this period. Eventually, the teams ended the period with 12 points each - leaving
the Outlaws with the same 3 point lead that they started the period with.
In an attempt to break the stale mate the CELTS introduced a full court press but, having played two matches in two days, with no substitutions (and only 8
points on court!), the CELTS really began to tire in the fourth period. This gave
the Outlaws a number of fast break opportunities and a final score that did not
reflect the tight nature of the whole match. The Outlaws won the final period 16 7.
Final score : CELTS 46 - Outlaws 58.
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 16; Caroline Matthews - 15; Mo Khan - 7; Steve
McGrath - 6 and Julie Salmon - 2.
The CELTS fought hard all weekend and, despite losing both games, were very
pleased with how well they played. The CELTS were not able to substitute
throughout the matches - meaning that all 5 players played the full 40 minutes on
both days. In addition, out of the usual 14 points that you are allowed on court,
the CELTS were only able to field a team that added up to 8 points! Despite all of
this, the CELTS put up an extremely good fight in both matches and, at times,
were in a position to win both of the games. Overall the weekend has boosted
the CELTS confidence - we knew that both games were there for the taking!!
The CELTS first team's next match is home (at Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff)
on Saturday 13th February 2010 against London Force, tip off at 1.50pm. A noisy
home crowd would certainly help us and entry to all our games is free - so please
come along and support us!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by C Matthews
After an extremely close match, the Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball
Club's first team manage to establish a last minute lead to beat Aspire
Force 48 - 38 on Saturday 13th February 2010.
Final score : CELTS 48 - 38 Force
At their home venue in Eastern Leisure Centre, Cardiff, the CELTS started the
game on a promising note by winning the tip and creating a quick lead (8-4)
within the first few minutes. The away team were forced into an early time out
and came out fired up - Force's Aaron Simmonds pulled back most of the
damage and they refocused their defence on keeping the CELTS' Matthews in
the back court. The first period remained very evenly matched and the teams
went into the first break with the CELTS enjoying a narrow 2 point lead (10-8).
In the second quarter the CELTS managed to create a large number of scoring
opportunities (as they did throughout the match) but were frequently unable to
convert. At times it seemed that the baskets just would not drop and, after 4
minutes, Force took the lead. The CELTS were trying out a few different
defensive structures in the second period and this occasionally left gaps which
the away team were quick to take advantage of. Force continued with the
momentum they had created and a few minutes later had pulled 5 points clear however, a last minute loss of focus gave 3 quick baskets to the CELTS and
enabled the home team to go into the half time break just 1 point behind (21-22).
The CELTS Head Coach, Holly Hinchey, adjusted the defensive structure of the
home team at half time and both teams went into the third period ready to fight
for every last possession. The CELTS were now pressing but the superior speed
and shooting accuracy of Force's Simmonds and Gregan enabled the travelling
team to pull away and after 5 minutes Force had achieved an 8 point lead. Coach
Hinchey called a time out and went to a faster line up to try to cut out the fast
breaks - and it worked! The CELTS kicked into their usual fast paced, relaxed
style of basketball and scored three baskets in the last 2 minutes of the quarter.
Overall, Force has won the period (10-12) but only three points separated the
teams as they went into the final period (31-34).
The refereeing had been "interesting" throughout the game, with both teams at
times feeling that they were the victim of unwarranted and unfair calls. The
frustration this caused bubbled to the surface in the final period - it began with an
exclamation of surprise from the CELTS' Holt being rewarded with a technical
foul and was followed shortly with the critical fifth foul being awarded to Force's
Simmonds. The loss of their number 42, cost Force dearly and the CELTS were
able to run away with the remainder of the quarter. The home team dominated
the boards at both ends and won the final quarter 17 - 4, giving the home team
the much needed win 48 - 38.
Final Score : CELTS 48
- Force 38
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 16; Caroline Matthews - 12; Phil Cochrane - 12;
Romeo Embolo - 4; Mo Khan - 2 and Julie Salmon - 2.
The CELTS made a LOT of scoring opportunities and statistically were in a
position to have won this match easily but, unfortunately, were not able to
capitalise on most of those opportunities - which made for a very closely fought
match. Force came to Cardiff with a long bench of experienced players whilst the
7 CELTS players were able to have little rest through this game….and this was
made worse in the final period when the CELTS' Julie Salmon had to leave the
court - after a close facial encounter with the ball. Overall it was a gritty and
determined win for the "new boys" in the 2nd Division!
The CELTS first team's next match is at home (Eastern Leisure Centre, Cardiff)
against Birmingham Blackcats on Saturday 20th February 2010, tip off at
3.50pm. The Blackcats are the only team in the second division who we have not
yet played…we really don't know what to expect but its certain to be a dynamic
and exciting clash. A noisy home crowd would certainly help us and entry to all
our games is free - so please come along and support us!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
After a very close first half, the Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's
second division team pulled away in the third period to beat Birmingham Black
Cats 51 - 33 on Saturday 20th February 2010.
Final score : CELTS 51 - 33 Black Cats
The Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's first team lost the tip against
the Black Cats huge forward (Rob Smith), but the home team were first to put
points on the board. The Black Cats were quick to reply and both teams traded
baskets throughout the first ten minute period. The Black Cats' Smith was so tall
that the CELTS were not able to challenge him for rebounds at either end of the
court which gave the away team a considerable advantage. However, the Black
Cats had travelled with a very short bench and, in order to take advantage of
that, the CELTS ran a pressing defence from the first whistle. The CELTS
narrowly won the first period 8 - 6.
The CELTS defence was not able to force many 8 second calls but the home
team were able to force longer, more desperate shots from the Black Cats.
However, even at the very end of their 24 second offences and having been
pushed out to the three point line, the Black Cats' Smith was consistently burying
ridiculous shots. At their defensive end, the Black Cats had sagged into the key
which, together with their incredibly tall centre, had completely shut down the
CELTS inside game. The CELTS responded well and were able to take
advantage of what breaches into the Cats key they were able to achieve and
back that up with some consistent outside shooting. The second period was
higher scoring, as both teams got into their rhythms, but the CELTS were again
able to achieve a narrow lead (winning the period 14-12) and going into the half
time break 22 - 18 in the lead.
The CELTS pressing tactics began to reap dividends in the third period when the
travelling team (and their short bench) began to run out of steam. The game still
felt very evenly matched but the travelling team had begun to tire, their shots
began to fall short and passing errors started to creep into their game. The
CELTS were focussed on keeping the Cats' Smith out of the game and, despite
the furious picking efforts of his team mates, this dramatically cut down the Cat's
scoring rate. The CELTS won the period 15-6. The home team had finally
managed to establish a lead and went into the final period 37 - 24 in the lead.
Having established a considerable momentum in the third period, the CELTS
drove home the match for a convincing win. The CELTS' new addition, Rhys
Thomas, contributed to the final score with a lay-up under pressure - which
received a cheer from all the CELTS and their supporters! Although the game
play seemed quite evenly matched, the home team won the final period 14-9
giving the CELTS first team their second win in a row!
Final Score : CELTS 51
- Black Cats 33
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 16; Phil Cochrane - 16; Mo Khan - 8; Caroline
Matthews - 7; Steve McGrath - 2 and Rhys Thomas - 2.
The CELTS started tentatively but eventually found their confidence and stormed
away with the match. Head Coach, Holly Hinchey's, tactics of pressing proved
invaluable as the away team ran out of steam in the third period and gave the
CELTS a considerable edge, momentum and, eventually, the win. All of the
CELTS contributed to this result which is sure to make us a stronger team where every team member is an offensive threat. And, as usual, we were helped
by our intrepid group of supporters - thanks guys!!
The CELTS first team have a few weekend's break - their next match is at home
(Eastern Leisure Centre, Cardiff) against Essex Outlaws on Saturday 27th March
2010. The CELTS have already met the Outlaws once this season - and it proved
to be a very close game that the Outlaws ran away with at the end. The CELTS
will be determined to achieve a win on the return leg - and a noisy home crowd
would certainly help us. Entry to all our games is free - so please come along and
support us!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
A very sloppy second period left the Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball
Club's first team with an irretrievable deficit on Saturday 27th March 2010.
Final score : CELTS 34 - 55 Essex Outlaws
At their home venue in Eastern Leisure Centre, Cardiff, the CELTS started the
game on a promising note by winning the tip and scoring first. However, the away
team replied quickly and the teams traded baskets through the first period. The
CELTS were pressing but were unable to prevent the very quick Outlaws team
from bringing the ball up the court and the CELTS were being unlucky on their
home rings. Neither team could pull away and the travelling team finished the
first period one basket ahead (10-12).
The CELTS had an awful start to the second period and went nearly 5 minutes
without being able to add to their scoreline. The Outlaws, on the other hand,
seemed to break through the CELTS defence at will and they were not sharing
the CELTS pain with the apparently unlucky rings. The CELTS head coach, Holly
Hinchey, was forced to call a time-out to try to rally the beleaguered home team
but the Outlaws had already achieved a massive lead. The CELTS managed to
put a few points on the board before the half time break but the home team lost
the period heavily (6-22) and the teams went into the half time break 16-34.
The CELTS went into the third period determined not to lie down in the face of
the momentum that the Outlaws had established. The new found aggression of
the home team led to a dramatic drop in the Outlaws scoring rate. The CELTS
continued to create excellent offensive opportunities but remained unlucky with
the rings and their shots were not dropping. Consequently, although the
momentum of the match had changed, the CELTS were not able to make a dent
in the Outlaws lead and the away team maintained a twenty point lead. The
Outlaws won the period 6-8.
The CELTS went into the final period trailing 22-42 but were still determined not
to quit! The baskets finally began to fall and some excellent long outlet passes
led to some incredible lay-ups under pressure from the CELTS' Mo Khan. The
CELTS managed to put away 12 points in the final period - which is much more
like their usual score per period, but they had still been unable to prevent the
Outlaws from scoring and they won the final period 12-13, leading to a final score
of 34-55.
Final Score : CELTS 34
- Outlaws 55
CELTS Scorers : Caroline Matthews - 12; Liam Holt - 8; Mo Khan - 6; Steve
McGrath - 4 and Julie Salmon - 4.
The CELTS left themselves an insurmountable points difference due to their
second period lapse in concentration and aggression. The gap since their last
match definitely seemed to have had consequences for the CELTS. The CELTS
finished the game feeling frustrated and knowing that they were not 20 points
inferior to the Outlaws - but also that they lost this match to the better side of the
day. On a positive note, the CELTS made a lot of scoring opportunities for
themselves and were statistically in a position to have made this match a lot
closer than the scoreline suggests.
The CELTS first team's next match is away against Exeter Otters on 11th April
2010. The Otters are currently top of the lead with a significant points difference
and they look certain to achieve promotion to Division 1 for the 2010-2011
season. This will undoubtedly be a tough match and will give the CELTS an
opportunity to improve and learn from the team which is currently the best in this
league.
We are recruiting now!!! The next league season starts in September 2011 - now
is the perfect time to try Wheelchair Basketball!!
Match Report by C Matthews
The CELTS first team fight hard but lose by a considerable margin against Exeter
Otters on Saturday 11th April 2010.
Final score : CELTS 23 - 66 Otters
The CELTS first team made the short trip down to Exeter to face the Otters
which, so far, have been undefeated in the current season. Everyone was
expecting a tough match but the match was much harder (mentally and
physically) than expected.
The CELTS were hit with a full court press as soon as the ball went up for the tip
- and the pressure was unrelenting. The Otters won the first possession but
neither team was able to score for the first three minutes of the match. Both
teams were nervous, but the flood gates finally flew open and the Otters began to
steam away from the underpowered CELTS. They had run in 8 points before the
CELTS were able to score in the dying seconds of the first period. The first
period ended 2 - 8.
The Otters continued to pressure every move from the CELTS and, although the
travelling team were managing to secure scoring opportunities they were
struggling on the unfamiliar rings. The home side was not sharing those
difficulties and continued the scoring streak and momentum started in the first
period. The Otters scored another 10 points before the CELTS would hit another
shot in the sixth minute of the period. And the pressure from the Otters remained
inexorable and they won the second period 20 -4, bringing the half time score to
28-6 in the Otters favour.
Head Coach Holly Hinchey did her best to rally the beleaguered CELTS during
the half time break but the travelling team was greeted with a continuing full court
press in the third period and the Otters continued to score almost at will as a
result of forced errors and turnovers from the CELTS. The CELTS managed to
score in the second minute but the Otters ran home another 8 points before the
CELTS could score again and the travelling team could not find a way through
the pressure. The Otters won the third period 22-8 and went into the final period
50 - 14 in the lead.
The Otters continued to press remorselessly and the weaker CELTS squad could
not find a way through. However, the CELTS refused to lie down and held the
Otters to their lowest scoring period whilst simultaneously managing to hit their
own highest scoring period. The Otters won the final period 16 - 9.
Final Score : CELTS 23
- Otters 66
CELTS Scorers : Phil Cochrane - 9; Caroline Matthews - 8; Liam Holt - 2; Mo
Khan - 2 and Julie Salmon - 2.
This was an incredibly tough encounter for the CELTS - mentally and physically.
On this occasion, the Otters were clearly the stronger squad but they refused to
take any pressure off the CELTS, even after establishing an irrecoverable lead.
This is the CELTS first season in the second division and, although the CELTS
have had an extremely successful first season, they had a true taste of first
division basketball from the Otters on this occasion. Now we know what we have
to aim for! We wish the Otters all the best in their new venture next season.
After a closely fought match, the Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's
second division team beat Birmingham Blackcats 58 - 35 on Saturday 17th April
2010.
Saturday 17th April 2010 saw the Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's
first team travel to Birmingham for their last match of the 2009-2010 season. The
CELTS first team were promoted last year and have had an extremely successful
first outing in the second division. This match, which was toughly fought but
friendly, saw the CELTS produce some of their best basketball this year - ending
the season on a tremendous high!
The Blackcats immensely tall centre (Rob Smith) won the tip and immediately put
the first points on the board. But the CELTS were quick to respond and after five
minutes had established a short 6-2 lead. The Blackcats came roaring back with
a number of layups being run-in against the CELTS by the Blackcats' Hussain.
The Blackcats home court offered an enormously demanding rubber floored
court and the CELTS found it hard to match the speed of the Blackcats (who
were obviously accustomed to it) and particularly Hussain who continued to
secure lay-up opportunities throughout the game. The Blackcats had pulled the
CELTS back to a two point lead and the teams went into the first break with the
CELTS just ahead 12-10.
The Blackcats' Smith again opened the scoring in the second period but the
CELTS were ready to stop the momentum that the home team had established at
the end of the first period and quickly replied with a series of baskets. The
Blackcats' Smith was focussed on preventing the CELTS forward (Caroline
Matthews) from posing her usual offensive threat but the other CELTS stepped
up to the challenge and began to score at will. Baskets began to drop regularly
for the CELTS' Liam Holt and Phil Cochrane and the CELTS' Mo Khan continued
to work hard to get his team mates into excellent scoring positions. By the half
time break, the CELTS had run up a ten point lead bringing the half time score to
26-16.
The Blackcats used the ten minute break wisely and came out on fire at the
beginning of the third period. The Blackcats' Hussain ran in a series of lay-ups at
the beginning of the second half and the CELTS could not match his speed on
the difficult floor. After 4 minutes the Blackcats had clawed their way back into
the game - the CELTS had not yet managed to score and their lead had been cut
to 5 points. The CELTS Head Coach called a time out and adjusted the CELTS
pressing defence. It was now Romeo Embolo's chance to shine and he did an
incredible job of shutting down the Blackcats' Smith who had, despite the CELTS
best efforts, continued to dominate. The CELTS again began to pull away and
ended the quarter with an unanswered 8 point streak - sending the away team
into the final period 40-27 in the lead.
The impetus that the CELTS had established at the end of the third period
continued in the fourth period with a further 5 points before the Blackcats
managed to score. Smith and Hussain continued to put points on the board for
the Blackcats and both teams continued to fight for every opportunity throughout
the game but the CELTS could not, now be prevented from ending their season
on a positive note.
Final Score : CELTS 58
- Black Cats 35
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 22; Phil Cochrane - 16; Caroline Matthews - 11;
Steve McGrath - 4; Mo Khan - 3 and Romeo Embolo 2.
The Blackcats' Smith dominated the boards at both ends of the court and
Hussain was unstoppable in terms of speed but the CELTS worked hard on the
difficult court flooring for the full 40 minutes and came away with a well deserved
win.
This match brings the CELTS first season in the Great Britain Second Division to
a close. The CELTS first team has won 6 and lost 6 games this season - as the
"new boys" in division two and with everyone expecting us to finish near the
bottom of the league, we have done incredibly well….and looking very bright for
the future!!
We are always recruiting for new players but RIGHT NOW is an excellent time to
come along and "have a go". The new season starts in October of this year so
this is the perfect time to get started! What are you waiting for? Get in touch!
It would be great to hear from you!
Match Report by C Matthews
The Cardiff CELTS Wheelchair Basketball Club's first team has finished its
first season in the UK National League Second Division in an amazing 4th
place!!
Most newly promoted teams can expect to face very tough season of extremely
hard games...but the CELTS have proved that they not only earned their space in
the second division but also that they can compete under pressure against the
tougher competition.
Fourth place (out of 7) is an excellent start and we look forward to doing even
better next season! The new season will start in September 2010 - and we are
recruiting new players now!! This is the perfect time to get started and join in with
us when the new season starts. We look forward to meeting you soon!!
This year's league table for the second division (southern region)...
Team Pos
Team
W
L
F
A
PD
Pts
1
Exeter Otters
12
0
651
408
243
24
2
Essex Outlaws 2
9
3
577 451
126
21
3
Aces 3
6
6
501 451
50
18
4
Cardiff CELTS 1
6
6
504 530
-26
18
5
Aspire Force 2
4
8
482 551
-69
16
6
Hereward Heat
4
8
433 535 -102 16
7
Birmingham Black Cats 2
1
11 392 614 -222 13