THERE was no comeback for Solent Stars' cadets after a disastrous first quarter at East London in the National Cup second round.
Having fallen into 25-4 arrears, they never got to grips with the tie and were soundly beaten 77-55.
Spokesman Keith Davies believes that Stars' bread and butter Southern Conference league games are too soft a preparation to cope with the might of the metropolis.
He said: "Without regular games against big city teams, the Stars cadets, for all their potential, simply have not developed a real competitive attitude."
In adversity, Paul Loosemore's effort was outstanding as only he and, in patches, Jamie Way and Jon Titcombe, played anywhere near the standard required to compete at that level.
Stars' next game is at home to Reading Rockets in the league this Saturday.
Said Davies: "A win is in prospect but it will be scant compensation to coach Jerry Merrill, whose aspirations, like all the Stars youth coaches, is to match the big city teams."
Solent scorers: Paul Loosemore 21; Matt Guymon 9; Jon Titcombe 7; Tim Philip 6, Jamie Way 6, Lawrence Brown 6.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article