»Crash For Cash Knock
Out Stages from Andy’s Blog.
Read about the lifestyle and the commitment of one of our
leading players.
Crash for Cash; Knock-out Stages
On our return to the gym we were pleased to find out that our semi-final would be a re-match against B.C. but this time they were fully prepared with all their equipment now recovered from the airport. We knew we could beat these guys but it was going to be a lot different than before! Portland had already made it through to the final, topping their pool and then using the bye to their advantage, wearing down a tired Arizona team to win by three.
London 45 B.C. 42 (Round 2!)
Both teams started strongly in a very high intensity game although London had the better of the first quarter, finishing two up with B.C. to take possession at the start of the second. We used our bench well to rotate our high pointers (plaudits to our low pointer, Jonny Coggan, who had to stay on the floor for the duration of the game) and went goal for goal until halftime. Unfortunately a jump ball meant that again, B.C. would start the next quarter with the ball and tie the game up. The third quarter was also tight with both sides giving away turnovers and then getting them straight back. This scrappiness was a sign of fatigue beginning to set in. A poor play right at the end of the third meant that B.C. would go into the fourth leading. London subbed in their three 2.5’s (our best line this tournament in my opinion) and set about turn the game around. B.C. were tired and out of time-outs and soon the errors came. London were relentless and a five goal swing saw us end the game comfortably, winning by three goals.
Final: London 49 Portland 52
The final was an extremely fast paced game with turnovers traded early in the first. There were also several big collisions with players being sent to the floor on multiple occasions. (This is just part of the game and might look spectacular but we’re never in any real danger!) Solid defence throughout forced some great plays on both sides and we went into the half level once again. In the third we just managed to pull away slightly, opening up a two-goal lead. However, with all our time-outs gone, Portland were able to go on a run that left us down by one with possession at the start of the fourth. This was a big turning point and Portland seemed to take the impetus from here. Another turnover early in the fourth saw us needing to chase the game. We battled hard but could not stop their offence. As the seconds ebbed away we had to admit defeat in a game that was everything a final should be. It was tough to take (it always is) but it’s part of what we do!
For full scores follow the link below…
http://www.cwsa.ca/c4tc-09.html
…Next weekend we’ll be in San Diego at a tournament called “Best of the West”. I’ll try my best to let you know how we get on.
