The West Is History

Marc Steutel’s Team Northumbria edged closer to the EBL Division Two title with a 70-64 win against promotion candidates London Westside in a hard fought, physical and defensive clash.

But Steutel’s players will not be happy with the way they went about their business as they ground out an ugly win against a Westside team who took the game to the hosts and were up by 10 in the first two minutes of the match.

And playcaller Steutel quickly called a timeout to get his players back on track after their awful start.

“I warned the players against complacency and to improve our offensive tempo," said Steutel.

The TN coach brought on Newcastle Eagles star Ross Wilson who improved the defence of the team and did exactly what was required.

The teenager dragged his side back into the game and it was Wilson who levelled at 22-22 after a disappointing first quarter.

US favourite Kevin Woolbrinck became a key figure in the game and sunk a stylish three pointer to get TN up and running.

Even with Wilson and Woolbrinck working in tandem the game looked like it was heading for overtime.

But the latter's determination ensured his side ran out winners after finding themselves 54-55 down at the end of the third quarter.

TN deserved credit for picking up another two vital points but it was not their most aesthetically pleasing show as the Westsiders came with solid defensive tactics and dominated for the majority of the match.

And Steutel added: “I asked the players, how do you feel after that game? And they were pretty down about it because they didn’t feel that we played to our usual high standards.

“It was an ugly win but our defensive game won us the match."

A key part of the defensive success this campaign has been down to skipper Siman Stewart who added: “It was pretty ugly but we got the win which is what we wanted.

"Our aim is to try and win every game. We’ve done a lot of really hard work so far and we are going game by game, keeping our feet on the ground."

Michael Race

Back to News