Carnegie stumble out of the traps
Monday Night Basketball – it probably won’t catch on, nor are you likely to see Gary Neville wheeling the Sky Pad into sports halls at the start of the working week any time soon, but for one evening only it manifested itself in Leeds Metropolitan University.
In this manifestation Leeds Carnegie began their belated 2011/12 season with a 63-52 National Cup win over Division 3’s Warrington Wolves. Leeds at first glance do not resemble title challengers – they are a nearly completely new team from the one which came within a game of winning England Basketball’s golden egg just six months ago. During that time head coach Matt Newby has promoted from within, an act born out of necessity, and one that may yet be judged to be premature, or not.
Carnegie showed more hustle than flare in a first half devoid of highlights, as they ground out a six-point lead going into the interval. Newby’s team is understandably yet to develop a distinct style and with their lack of size they will struggle slugging it out inside with the top Division 1 teams – David Ajumobi’s flat top adds a precious few inches to their front line – but guards Henry Wilkins and Shaun Clifford look impressive in the open court.
It was clear from the tip that Warrington had not the made the trip across the Pennines simply to make up the numbers. Their well-drilled zone defence betrayed a discipline that will ensure they cause more waves than ripples in Division 3 this season.
Warrington cut Carnegie’s lead to just 43-40 going into the last ten minutes, but as the saying goes: the cream always rises to the top, and Leeds showed their class to earn a deserved, if somewhat flattering, elven point victory. Former Manchester Magic standout Josh Houghton led the way for Carnegie with 16 points, whilst Clifford deputised with 13.
Leeds have hit the ground and stumbled rather than run, and this is certainly not the most talented set of players Newby has had at his disposal, but history suggests it is folly to underestimate Carnegie’s band of merry green men.
Content courtesy of Joesph Fitzpatrick.
