Leeds Force still chasing that 1st win

Friday night saw Leeds Force travel to London to take on London Lions in what would be their second game of the season. After a tough game against Cheshire Phoenix the weekend prior, Leeds force were determined to give it all they had to try and get a win against a team that reached the playoff final last year. Unfortunately Leeds Force were unable to defeat the strong side that is London Lions as the score finished 99-60.

Although Leeds Force were unable to win, there were impressive performances in the game from within the Force team as Zak Wells finished the game as overall highest point scorer with 23. Rob Marsden was also able to reach doubles figures with 12 points, however, the opposition’s squad had five players all reaching double figures with Demond Watt in particular scoring the most for London Lions with 19 points and 9 rebounds.

The game started off equal with both teams attacking one another’s half. Half way through the first quarter Leeds force were able to gain a 3 point advantage over London, however, this was short lived and the game turned around as the quarter ended 23-12 to London with Lewis hitting a three as the buzzer sounded for the end of the quarter.

Zac Wells

With London Lions on a high from the end of the first quarter they were able to push forward and transfer the momentum from the end of the first into the second quarter as they went on a 10-0 run. The home side had managed to gain themselves a 21 point lead on Leeds half way through the second quarter. With Harris able to make a field goal to end the London Lions run, the force were able to start hitting their shots, preventing the lead from progressing further, however, the damage had been done and Leeds Force were only able to bring the home sides lead down to 19 points as the first half finished 46-27.

The third quarter started with the London side maintaining their first half form as Lewis made a three pointer early on. Leeds Force were able to prevent the deficit from getting any worse as they managed to make a lot of their shots, however, the number of turnovers increased and Leeds Force were no longer able to prevent the deficit from growing as the third quarter finished 75-47 with Harvey hitting a field goal for Leeds at the last second. With a 28 point deficit at the beginning of the fourth quarter turnovers and missed shots for Leeds meant London Lions would go forward and win the game 99-60.

Fab Flournoy, The legend strides on. Photo David Howe

Force had to forget their trip to London quickly as they look to take on Esh Group Eagles Newcastle on Sunday evening. The Eagles made a fast start and raced into a 10-4 lead early on and never looked back. After a short delay, the home side went on to lead 26-20 at the end of a high-scoring first quarter.

The gap between the two kept growing in the second period and Newcastle would double their advantage to take a 50-38 cushion into the half-time interval.

Force kept battling and did manage to cut the gap back into single figures, only for the Eagles to go on an 11-0 run to close the third at 69-51. Another strong quarter saw the winning margin soar to 28 with Fab Flournoy’s side now moving clear at the top.

For Leeds, it was their third loss in as many league games as their wait for a first league win this season continues. Clayfell Harris top scored for the visitors with 14 points with Darrell Bethune and Zak Wells also reaching double figures.

Leeds will now prepare to take on Bristol Flyers on Friday with both teams determined to claim their first win of the season. Tickets for the game are available through the club website.

Story – Leeds Force