WEYMOUTH BANDITS 62 WINCHESTER WARRIORS 67 A DISASTROUS final quarter saw Weymouth Bandits throw away the chance of securing back-to-back victories against a six-man Winchester Warriors outfit at Weymouth College.
The hosts started well and sprung into a 9-2 lead thanks to the hot hand of Brett Dunster and Matt Board’s strong rebounding.
Winchester replied by clawing back some points but Weymouth kept their composure and with Dunster capping off a 10-point period they remained in a commanding position until right at the end of the quarter when some quick baskets by the visitors saw them draw level at 20-20.
Despite that fine response from the Warriors, the home side came out in the second quarter with the same determined mood and when Alex Fuhrmann hit back-to-back lay-ups and Dunster did the dame it looked like they would assume control again.
However, Winchester continued to battle and at the close of the half the deficit was just five points with Andy Steel providing a spark for the Bandits as they moved 38-33 ahead.
The third quarter has often proved Weymouth’s downfall this season but they began much like they did in the second with guard Fuhrmann again hitting back-to-back lay-ups.
Dunster and Steel also continued their form with the added addition of Jim De Bertrand providing an easy put back and although the Warriors re-arranged their defence the hosts closed the period with an uncontested lay-up from Ross Bowes to stretch their advantage to 54-43.
With an 11-point lead it looked certain that the Bandits were on course for their second successive victory but in the final quarter they suddenly imploded.
With too much confidence in themselves and a step up in intensity from Winchester, the home side’s advantage seemed to simply slip away.
With no true big man on the court as Board sat on the bench, Weymouth sent the visitors to the free-throw line allowing them to hit nine of 12 which nullified their well-earned advantage.
And with the pressure well and truly on Weymouth and all the momentum with the visitors it was no surprise to the Warriors overhaul their opponents, and snatch the win 67-62.
A Bandits spokesman said: “This game was the biggest disappointment of the season. There was a clear lack of cohesion in the team, which was mirrored from every player on the court to the bench.
“Every week we keep coming up with made up excuses and talk about potential. The truth is, the buck needs to stop and we all simply need to put in more effort, both physically and more so mentally.”
Roster/Scorers: Brett Dunster 18, Andy Steel 18, Alex Fuhrmann 11, Ross Bowes 8, Matt Board 3, Chris Canham 2, Jim DeBertrand 2, Eric Olson, Jamie Harris, Steve Howlett.
Bandits’ Man of the Match: Brett Dunster
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