SHARKS BITE HARD TO DEFEAT THE TRAILBLAZERS

DERBY TRAILBLAZERS 67 V SHEFFIELD SHARKS 84
BBL TROPHY ROUND 1 @ THE CLARENCE WIGGINS SPORTS HALL DERBY
10 JANUARY 2016 --- 2.15PM TIP OFF

HIGH FLYING ACTION BETWEEN DERBY TRAILBLAZERS AND SHEFFIELD SHARKS

Upsets are part of sport and its not always a given that the underdog wont come out on top but this afternoons BBL Trophy encounter did not supply any shock result.  The higher league opposition of Sheffield Sharks just proved too much after half time as they pulled away from a valiant Derby Trailblazers of the NBL Division 1.  Sharks had lead at the end of first, second and third quarters even though in the first two periods Blazers had matched their illustrious visitors, indeed having some nice looking leads on more than one occasion.  But after the half time break the result never looked in doubt as Sheffield were always in control even though you had to admire the challenge of the young pretenders from Derby, their efforts were admirable.

POP UP BLAZERS ADVERT

Well the blog is always on the look out to cover a different sport and having last seen any basketball about three years ago the time was right and convenient to take in this BBL Trophy game at The Clarence Wiggins Sports Hall on the Derwent Site of Noel Baker situated in the Alvaston suburbs of Derby. The start from base today was by bus to Derby at just before 1130 and on arrival the blog hopped onto an Arriva service number 1 for a trip around the suburbs of Alvaston to finally depart our aquamarine special just as the Shark's team coach pulled into the sports complex.
A light jog got me to the coach out of breath and grappling to get the camera into position to take a few shots of the Sheffield lads departing their massive and very plush vehicle.
The sports hall bears the name in memory of a man that I could find only very nice things said about him, Clarence Wiggins, who had been a PE teacher at the school and a former basketball player and coach with Derby.  There were some touching thoughts from his former pupils about how caring and thoughtful this man was and today his hall was by tip off time packed with around 250-300 people who had come in anticipation of a cracking game of basketball the game he loved.

PICK YOUR GAME IF YOU FANCY A LOOK AT THE BLAZERS

Derby in their previous guises had come across Sheffield Sharks as Derby Storm but at that stage the visitors were playing to large crowds at the steel city's arena when basketball seemed to be on an upward spiral and they were at the top of the tree.  Currently Derby ply their trade in the NBL Division 1 Men's league and have received an invitation along with three other clubs to enter the BBL Trophy.
Having paid the £5 entrance fee and received an excellent programme put together in an attractive and readable format, there was also a smart match day ticket too.

Upon entering the hall there was a juniors game just finishing and there was time for a drink and confectionery bar.  Sadly there was no merchandise stall as far as I could see which was a little disappointing because with a large crowd and enthusiastic crowd there seemed a good market for a few purchases.
With benched stepped seating set back on one side behind the players and officials and pa tables a good view was offered from many positions and as ever at Basketball a good announcer and musical pa system is required and Derby more than supplied this.  A good selection of music before and during the game alongside informative announcements throughout were a plus.  Indeed upon arrival I thought I recognised what were the dulcet tones of Nigel Cash who had previously interviewed me for Radio Derby at the famous The Devil Made Me Do It Tattoo Studio Ground home of Clay Cross Town Fc when the clubs famous sponsorship raffle came up with the most unique name you could have ever dreamt of and probably the longest!

After lengthy limbering up from both sides the clock had finally arrived at 2.15pm and tip off time was reached.  The first quarter had seen Derby lead but by the end were narrowly behind 18-21, indeed this 10 minutes gave the home support that a shock could be on the cards.  The second period produced a similar effort from Derby were they were a little unlucky to go in to the half time break down 36-44.
The third and fourth quarter saw Sheffield take control of the game with the third period ending Blazers 55 Sharks 68.  The final period saw the home side starting to miss their openings and as Sharks hooped at the other end you hoped that the separation would not prove embarrassingly to large for all the tremendous effort that Derby had put into this match. 

REFEREES LIQUID BREAK

Thankfully it didn't when time ran down it was Blazers 67 Sharks 84 and the very healthy crowd was appreciative of both sides efforts.

From the blogs point of view it was an enjoyable out that was well run by the club and although Blazers normally play on a Saturday evening so negating attendance I shall watch out for their results with interest.

SHARKS COACH ATIBA LYONS PASSING ON INSTRUCTIONS IN A TIME OUT

One of the most amazing things about basketball is the height of the players and walking in with some of the players at around 6ft 7" and 6ft 9" makes you feel very small.  The agility and speed of the players is phenomenal and if you have never attended a match I would urge you to go along and like all sport its really best to watch it live you will get so much from the experience and basketball is no exception.

FINAL SCOREBOARD

Walking away from the sports hall just before 4pm the crowd mainly drove away and I was soon taken back to the city by the regular number 1 and after a 3/4 of an hour wander around the city it was time to hop on board the bus back to the north of the county to recount the takes of a very entertaining game of basketball.

COMFORTABLE ARRIVAL ON THIS TRIPLE AXELD BEAUTY FOR THE SHARKS