WEYMOUTH BANDITS 62 SOLENT NAVY 47

WEYMOUTH Bandits stopped the rot of nine successive defeats with a commanding victory over Solent Navy in Solent League Division Two.

The Bandits were determined to avoid a 10th consecutive loss and got off to a good opening against Solent. From the off, Andy Steel continued his point contribution from the previous week by hitting two lay-ups to put the hosts ahead.

Chris Canham chipped in with three points to help the Bandits push on, but it was Steel’s continued effort that forced Weymouth into a 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second was much the same as the first, despite Steel taking a deserved respite. The rest of the Bandits’ squad stepped up to the plate with Ross Bowes and Brett Dunster helping to increase the advantage further.

As the quarter closed the guests did manage to snatch a couple of baskets, but the half finished with the Bandits 28-19 ahead.

Weymouth have often suffered in the third quarter of games and the curse appeared to be continuing as the Navy came out for the second half with renewed vigour and set about reducing the home side’s lead.

Dunster and Matt Board kept the Bandits’ tally ticking over before Jamie Harris scored a tight lay-up to hand Weymouth a seven-point lead going into the final quarter.

Bowes and Steel added to the scoreline at the resumption of the play. Navy hit back with a three-pointer but then lost their way and were hit with a technical foul for arguing with the referee.

Dunster punished their indiscretion by landing both free-throws.

Solent responded by cutting the deficit to six but back came Weymouth as Alex Fuhrmann notched a lay-up, quickly followed by a three-pointer.

And the Bandits’ opponents could only watch as the hosts went on to secure a 62-47 win.

Man of the match Steel said: “It was a great team effort all round. We looked after the basketball, we made our lay-ups and we didn’t lose our heads when the pressure was on.

“We had some trouble with their athleticism, but we moved the ball so well and probably gave our best performance of the season when it was needed.”

Roster/scorers: Andy Steel 19, Brett Dunster 10, Alex Fuhrmann 9, Ross Bowes 6, Chris Canham 5, Matt Board 5, Carl Carter 4, Jamie Harris 2, Andy Blackwood 2, Steve Howlett, Eric Olson.