Stevenston Sabres kicked off their season with a home match against Dumbarton Dodgers on Sunday afternoon. Fresh from winning their pre-season tournament, Sabres were in confident mood, however with five key personnel calling off in the run up to the match Sabres knew they had to be at their best against a strong Dodgers side. In a fast-paced and intense opening to the match, neither team were able to settle into any form of offensive rhythm with both sides settling for early options on the shot clock and scoring on the fast-break. Sabres Jordan Thomson and Captain Colin Gribben were on good form on the offensive end of the floor, combining for Sabres first fourteen points. Sabres were struggling to curtail the scoring of Dodgers danger men Michael Johnston and Duncan Mackie who racked up twelve points during the period. The quarter ended tied at 16-16. Sabres started the second period in better fashion with Robert Dorrian and Kevin Paterson getting on the score sheet early to give Sabres the advantage. Sabres were still leaking too many easy baskets on defence though, allowing Dodgers uncontested shots and too much time and space in the paint. The score was tied 30-30 at the half. After a good half-time chat, Sabres made some adjustments on defence which began to have an immediate impact on the game. Sabres were able to close down the perimeter shooting of Dodgers and limit their opportunities in the paint. Sabres were able to profit on the fast-break with Robert Dorrian running in seven points during the period. Sabres took a slender 52-49 lead going into the final stanza. A good final quarter from Sabres allowed them to stretch their lead to eight points mid-way through, however Dodgers were resilient and battled to tie the match within minutes, pegging Sabres back for the entire forty minutes. Some good decision making in the final few minutes of the match and spreading the workload offensively allowed Sabres to get their foot-hold back on the match. Big man Krzyzstof Szczygiel was excellent in the final moments, scoring some crucial baskets and pulling down some massive rebounds on both ends of the floor. Sabres won the match 71-64. Dodgers put up an excellent fight and worked Sabres hard for the full match. A much improved side from previous seasons that will no doubt catch many of the teams in the league out this season. Sabres next match is Sunday 13th October, 4.45pm tip-off at Dalry Primary school where they face Glasgow Eagles in the first round of the cup. Team: Robert Dorrian (9 points), Kevin Paterson (8), Colin Gribben (captain, 11), Fraser McConnell (5), Ian Mitchell (2), William MacLaren, Jordan Thomson (26), Krzyzstof Szcygiel (8), David Saunders (2)
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 09:25:32 +0000
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