The Cromwell Suns 3 game winning streak came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday night at Mt Aspiring College in Wanaka when they were blown out 58 - 43 by finals hopefuls Torque Marine. Strangely, it was the Suns usually tight and reliable defence that proved to be their ultimate downfall as the opposition managed to hit shots with consummate ease.
The game looked as if it would be a torrid and tight affair after the opening tip when both teams regularly traded early baskets. But it was the Mariners who provided the edge with their screen and roll plays that left men open in the corners regularly and that combined with freakishly hot shooting gave them the advantage at half time with a lead of 19. The highlight of the half for the Cromwell side had to be a wonderful example of how to sledge from swingman Cole Chamberlain. After driving towards the basket from the top of the key, he was fouled and went to the charity stripe. As he prepared to shoot his first free throw, he was distracted by an opposition team member whispering sweet nothings in his ear. He stopped midway through his shot attempt and replied “quiet in the gallery!” which caused hilarity from both sides. Chamberlain went on to miss both shots.
The second half needed to see a run from the Suns early to pull back the lead but it evaded them and so did their defence and left the Mariners to increase their advantage late in the game. That's the way it stayed, the Suns not able to claw the lead back despite some resistance mid-way through the second half.
The only real pressure from the Cromwellians came from big man Nathan Roberts who was strong on the boards and under the basket plays. Rhys Chamberlain contributed well and tried to keep the Suns in the game hitting 2 from 3 three pointers and contributing 13 points. Andy Ritchie and brother Mickey combined for 9 points and younger Roberts, Jonny had 7. The final assessment of the match seemed to decipher that the Suns need to improve their help defence, especially on a high percentage shooting side, and try to figure out some way to score some easy buckets.
Rhys Chamberlain 13 points
Nathan Roberts 11 points
Jonny Roberts 7 points
Andy Ritchie 5 points
Mickey Ritchie 4 points
Nick Scott 3 points
