SOLENT STARS 72 - LONDON PAWS 82

SOLENT slipped to defeat at home to London PAWS after only scoring four points in the final six minutes.

Before then, Solent had lead for large parts of a Division One match delayed at Fleming Park due to the late arrival of the opposition.

Nick Oharabe combined well with Mark Jackson to see Solent lead 12-4 after four minutes.

Phil Long helped Solent preserve this advantage when he fought well under the basket to contribute four more points.

With neither main scorers Marlin Capers and Jackson able to score from open play in the first quarter, Solent did well until two late three-pointers by the visitors saw them lead by a point at the first interval.

The visiting team were able to break down the Solent defence with comparative ease because of their height advantage but dogged resistance kept them at bay.

At the other end Capers began to score with regularity and Jackson got off the mark one minute before half-time with the first of his two three-pointers to give the hosts a 38-35 interval advantage.

Jackson's second three pointer in the fourth minute of the third quarter gave Solent a nine-point advantage but London scored two quick baskets.

Coach Alan Cunningham decided to bring Ollie Marsh on for the first time, but his two quick losses enabled London to take the lead.

Marsh restored Solent's lead but a London three-pointer meant they entered the last period ahead.

Solent quickly regained the advantage when Long and Paul Silcox added points. And Solent were leading 68-66 before the points dried up late on.

Frustration mounted as shots were missed by all the players, culminating in a final minute's play that resulted in a comedy of errors for the Solent team, who were cruelly punished for their failings.

An on-court London player exclaimed as they drove the nail into Solent's coffin that it 'all down to heart'.

However, the Solent team (the last minute excepted) could not be faulted on effort. Ability is what the team needs to work on.

SCORERS: Marlin Capers 24, Nick OHarabe 17, Phil Long 13, Mark Jackson 8, Paul Silcox 8, Ollie Marsh 2.

SOLENT STARS 74 - SOUTH NOTTS COLLEGE 67

SOLENT came from behind late on to win tough Division Three (East) match at Hamble Community Sports College.

The young visitors played a physical game which resulted in a string of fouls in the first half, but Solent's successful free throw shooting (14 out of 15 attempts) was a factor in helping them to a 34-29 lead.

Andy Aung was the only player to be in foul trouble for Solent as he fought under the basket for the home team.

Liam Wyatt, returning from injury, was instrumental in several assists and when Aung was substituted Jon Rumsey took on the rebounding role.

When Aung returned, he only lasted ten seconds before picking up a fifth foul, thus restricting Rumsey's breather.

Clayton Milner and Dave McKay began to score with regularity and force the visitors into several mistakes with their hustling.

Ryan Payne orchestrated the Solent play to good effect, whilst adding points of his own.

Trevor Donaldson, Chris Glover and Craig Dawson all made sure Solent kept in touch.

Trailing by two points with four minutes remaining, Solent were able to limit the visitors to just two more points while adding nine of their own to give them a fifth league win out of six.

SCORERS Clayton Milner 20, Dave McKay 15, Ryan Payne 15, Jon Rumsey 11, Andy Aung 6, Trevor Donaldson 4, Liam Wyatt 3.