Solent 82 - Sheffield 106

SOLENT Stars were on the receiving end of a second quarter points barrage from champions Sheffield Arrows.

The visitors had been crowned champions before they took to the court on Saturday evening after Worthing Thunder had defeated London United by a solitary point.

But any ideas that Sheffield would take it easy, with the title in the bag, were dispelled in the first half.

Though Solent began brightly and led by the end of the first quarter, Sheffield rattled in 30 points in the second quarter to take the lead which they never looked like relinquishing.

The home side's Paul Silcox impressed early on, scoring the opening five points and taking several rebounds.

By the fourth minute Solent led 11-2 and they were able to maintain that lead in a first quarter that only saw three fouls.

Although Sheffield narrowed the points gap. Solent still played with some flair and purpose.

However, all that changed in the second period as Sheffield began to get on top with a series of missed shots from Solent leaving them trailing.

Sheffield's Jamie Davidson started to open a gap when he notched consecutive three pointers in a quarter that saw the visitors outscore Solent 6 - 1 in successful three-point attempts.

With Ryan Patton orchestrating Sheffield's play, it soon became clear why the Arrows have now won the National Trophy and the league.

Whilst Solent went to the changing room at half-time to discuss their dilemma, Sheffield remained on court practising their shooting - which no doubt helped them outscore Solent 29-14 in the third quarter.

Larry Parker was only able to add four points to his total and Marlin Capers six during this period.

Whilst a boxing referee might have stopped the contest at this stage, it would have denied a last quarter in which Solent outscored their opponents as they lifted their game to help coach Steve Chant, left.

Despite using only seven players, the Arrows had looked sharper throughout, but a rearguard action by Solent provided a slim hope for their last two league matches against Worcester (away) and Worthing Thunder (March 27th, 2pm, Fleming Park).

SCORERS: Larry Parker 31, Marlin Capers 27, Mark Jackson 8 Paul Silcox 7, Graham Hunter 3, Ollie Marsh 2, Phil Long 2, Mike McGregor 2.