Cheshire Phoenix 91-84 Worcester Wolves

Worcester Wolves’ coach Paul James highlighted his team’s lack of rhythm as they stumbled to an 84-91 reversal at Cheshire Phoenix on Friday.

Wolves trailed for large periods of the match, fought back into contention but then committed turnovers at crucial times to surrender any chance of victory.

“That was a really disappointing defeat. We didn’t play with any sort of rhythm,” said James.
“Even when we got back into the game we contrived to throw the ball away with some really silly rookie errors.”

Several Worcester players struggled to consistently impact on the scoreboard. Trayvon Palmer slotted home a trio of first-quarter baskets but then parked his scoring until a single success in the final quarter. Elvisi Dusha and Brandon Parrish also connected early, but both men were unable to contribute any further points.

Wolves looked to be losing touch at 22-29 entering the second period before George Beamon set out his stall with a series of confident drives to the hoop. Three scores in a row had Cheshire calling for a time-out.

The interruption did nothing to halt Beamon’s prodigiousness as he rattled in four more baskets in quick order. Even when one of his free throws bounced up off the rim Robert Gilchrist was first to react and tip in the ball for bonus points.

By midway through the third quarter Worcester had the upper hand at 58-53. However it would now be Cheshire’s turn to showcase a player with a hot hand as their British forward Raheem May-Thompson erupted for eleven points in a stunning two-minute timeframe.

The hosts led 69-61 as the final period got underway. A Beamon triple encouragingly narrowed the deficit before it was demoralisingly widened by a spell of carelessness.

A 24-second shot-clock violation was followed by a double of Dusha mishandles. A technical foul was called against the visitors and Cheshire gleefully pounced to convert from both the resultant free throw and ensuing possession and take a commanding 78-64 advantage with six minutes remaining.

Usual stalwart Alex Navajas left the match early after an altercation with May-Thompson. Further Wolves turnovers put paid to any comeback hopes.

Beamon top-scored with 27 points. Gilchrist with 15 and Michael Ojo on 13 were Worcester’s only other double-digit scorers.

“George shot the ball well but unfortunately others didn’t.” added James.

“Allied to that, defence was a big concern. We gave away far too many points, particularly in the first half. We need to find a group who want to sit down and play some hard-nosed defence.”

Wolves are quickly back in action with a trip to Manchester Giants on Sunday, (tip off 5pm), for a match that James insists must be won:

“Manchester are a team who play hard and who will be competitive. We need to put today’s game behind us very quickly and get the win. There will be no time to sulk – we need to get something out of this weekend.”

Match report by Colin Taylor
Image credit Razorlight Imagery