Retford 44 - 81 Alverley (14th Oct 2008)

RETFORD Basketball Club opened against a familiar adversary last Tuesday night, as they took on Alverley.

There have been some changes in the line-up over the summer, most notably the absence of leading scorer Jonathan Pedley. Retford have recruited a number of new players including Matt Sadler, David Wright and Steve Harrison.

As play got under way Retford struggled to find any offensive rhythm, giving Alverley time to set their defence. Alverely were dictating the play at both ends of the floor, getting off to a quick start and went on a 14-0 run before Retford finally scored.

The home side were not playing their usual fast break offence, and were giving their opponents time to regroup. They were forced to take difficult shots from the outside which, unfortunately, were not falling for them. Alverley closed the first 23-6.

Retford started the second half with far more energy and were breaking fast to create a number of mismatches at the offensive end. Geoff Schwarz scored six of his 18 points in the space of a few minutes.

It was now Alverley who struggled to score points. The home side were able to force a number of shot clock turnovers by denying the visitors a shot. At the end of the first half Retford trailed 17-44.

As the second half got under way it was clear Retford were becoming more confident, and Richard Pedley led the way with six straight points. Bill Thorpe also executed consecutively from the 3-point range as Retford matched Alverley play for play.

Unfortunately time was not on Retford's side and Alverley were able to hold off attempts at a come back.

Retford 50 - 61 Rotherham (21st Oct 2008)

RETFORD'S second game of the season offered the chance of redemption. The last time Retford played Rotherham they suffered a series of unfortunate events. A number of Retford players fouled out of the game, leaving only three on the floor. Rotherham reduced their deficit and dealt Retford a devastating loss, winning the game by one point. With numbers on the bench, Retford looked for a different outcome this time round.

As play got under way it was Rotherham who seized the initiative, gaining an early 10-point advantage. Retford kept their calm and executed their offence effectively to keep Rotherham from running away with an early lead.

Richard Pedley came alight for Retford and was able to capitalise on a number of three-point plays to reduce their deficit to two at the end of the first. For once Retford had a significant size advantage over their opponent. However, Rotherham were undeterred by this and were relentless in penetrating to the basket for seemingly easy lay-ups.

It was clear that Rotherham had unsettled Retford and this was now beginning to show in their offence. They were not using the shot clock and forcing difficult shots from the perimeter.

Retford would look to their shooters and Neil Ryves would answer the call towards the end of the half, as he scored 10 straight points, including a buzzer-beating shot to tie the game.

During the opening few minutes of the second half, Retford and Rotherham were both executing their offence, keeping the score tied. However, it seemed Rotherham were playing with more intensity than Retford. They were grabbing more rebounds and out-hustling Retford on loose balls. Eventually they would be rewarded for their efforts. They opened up a 10-point lead and finally took charge of the game.

With time winding down Retford moved to a full court press to try and force turnovers in their favour.

Unfortunately Rotherham were able to hang on to their lead and ran out winners.

Retford 24 - 80 East Riding (2nd Nov 2008)

No game report.

Retford 37 - 92 Wasps (12th Nov 2008)

Retford faced Hull last week in a clash that looked promising from the outlook. Retford were sporting a full bench, 4 players in total compared with Hull's 1 sub

From the opening tip Hull proved first impressions are deceiving by storming out to an early lead. Retford were leaving Hull open from the permimeter and they would take advantage executing consecutive 3-point shots. Retford were not slow to respond and were led by Richard Pedley who scored consecutive lay-ups to keep the score line tied.

Hull was proficient in moving the ball round the perimeter to create the open shot and they would capitalise. Hull were making near enough every shot they took and it seemed at this point Retford could only hope Hull would tire late in the game and leave themselves vulnerable with only one player on the bench. At the end of the half Hull lead Retford 44-18.

As the second half got underway Retford began to play smothering defence and were led by Neil Ryves who forced a number of turnovers. Ryves was able to convert the turnovers into baskets, which reduced Retford's deficit. Unfortunately Retford's fortunes were short lived. Hull was beginning to continuously taking advantage of Retford's missed offensive effort and get easy baskets off the fast break.

Retford suffered another blow as one of their leading scorers Geoff Schwarz fouled out. Without Schwarz on the floor Retford were struggling to create offensive opportunities. Hull would take advantage of the situation and close the game out in fashion.

Retford have now lost their first 4 league games. This could have a negative affect on a team and it's players but according to team captain Richard Pedley this doesn't seem to be the case. "We need to start to look at setting ourselves some achievable targets in the short term and for the minute this isn't going to include winning many games in the league. But, we've accomplished what we set out to do the end of last season and that is to get some new players down to the club. The new guys are young and haven't played in a league or at this level before so it's going to take some time before we gel as a team. For the minute we're just enjoying our time on court and giving it all we've got. Our time will come."

Retford 43 - 77 Scunthorpe (18th Nov 2008)

Retford took on Scunthorpe last Tuesday and were looking for their first win of the season.

As the first quarter got underway it was Retford that seized the initiative to gain an early lead. Steve Harrison opened the scoring doors as he executed a jump shot from the floor that would ignite Retford’s offence. Steve would receive help from Richard Pedley who would go on to score consecutive baskets.

Retford had caught Scunthorpe off-guard and they struggled to find any offensive Rhythm. Scunthorpe took the percentage of their shots from the outside and didn’t press for any offensive boards. Similarly, Retford were creating good offensive opportunities but were unable to capitalise with the basket. Scunthorpe finally started to hit their shots and caught fire towards the end of the first. They would go on to gain a 14-6 as the first came to a close.

During the second quarter Retford were letting the game slip away. Scunthorpe executed consecutive baskets without a response from Retford. At the end of the first half Scunthorpe held a 40-12 lead over Retford.

As is often the case with Retford, if they had played with the same consistency as they did in the second half the game could have gone either way. As the third quarter got underway their offence was carried Bill Thorpe who grabbed consecutive rebounds and converted them into baskets. Thorpe would go on to score 9 consecutive points. He was also helped out by his other team mates who contributed to reduce the deficit. Retford were beginning to play great basketball passing the ball effectively and finding the open man to create an easy basket.

Retford still had a lot of work to do if they were going to get back into the match. As the fourth quarter started Retford got right back to business matching Scunthorpe point for point. Geoff Schwarz came alight to burn Scunthorpe for 8 consecutive points. Schwarz was able to take advantage of a number of 3 point plays by executing at the foul line. Something Retford has been inconsistent throughout the season with.

Unfortunately Retford had left it too late to rally back from the deficit incurred during the first half. If Retford are going to start winning games they must play to the level they can consistently throughout all four quarters of the match. After outscoring Scunthorpe during second half they must be disappointed with their performance during the first. Consistency is the key to victory.

Retford 63 - 24 Doncaster Deaf college (7th Dec 2008)

Retford were celebrating Sunday night as they claimed their first league win against Doncaster Deaf College. Going into the game both sides had yet to claim a win within the league. With both teams eager to claim their first win it was Retford who seized the initiative who were led by Will Evans with 26 points as they went on to rout Doncaster 63-24.

As the first quarter got underway both teams seemed anxious shooting the ball missing close inside shots. Geoff Schwarz was the first to execute for Retford from the floor and from that point on they never trailed. Doncaster a division one side normally a threat from the outside area was stifled by Retford’s tough defence and the shooters couldn’t find any rhythm. Retford were moving the basketball well playing great team offence. They were able to find the open man each time as all of their players were getting involved in the scoring action. At the end of the first Retford led 13-2.

During the second quarter Retford went to a new weapon, Will Evans on the fast break. Retford caught Doncaster off-guard on the defence and were able to find Evans for consecutive baskets. As the first half drew to a close Retford held a commanding 34-12 lead over Doncaster.

As the second half got underway Doncaster’s key centre turned up late for the game. Doncaster instantly seemed a lot more confident and was talking a lot more at both ends of the court. Fortunately for Retford their game didn’t falter and neither did Evans’ as he capitalized on a number of 3 point plays at the expense of Doncaster’s new centre.

Matt Sadler and Geoff Schwarz led the Retford defensive front line and were able to force a number of turnovers which led to uncontested baskets. Retford were able to not only hold off any efforts of a comeback from Doncaster but also sustain their offensive efforts for all four quarters of the game to give them convincing 63-24 win.

It seems the acquisition of Evans has had a significant impact on the Retford offence. A void has been filled and Retford was able to play the fast paced offence they have in previous seasons. A great team effort and a great result to take into the Christmas break.

Retford 50 - 74 Darfield (7th Jan 2009)

Retford have enjoyed success of late winning their last game before the Christmas break and now welcomed back their top scorer from the previous season Jonathan Pedley who returned from a travelling break. Their first opponents of the New Year were 1st division side Darfield. With confidence high in camp and numbers on the bench a win was expected.

Darfield were first to open the scoring doors as they would punish Retford under the basket. Darfield had a number of large players and Retford were struggling to contain them. Retford were relentless in pursuing the boards and were able to keep the game close with a number of scrappy baskets. Jamie Bolsher led the way grabbing a number of offensive boards and attacking the basket to make the conversion. Unfortunately for Retford, every shot they made Darfield would answer and as the quarter came to a close it was Darfield that would pull away to gain a 21-12 advantage.

As the second quarter got underway Darfield got right back to business under Retford’s basket increasing the lead. Retford were getting increasingly agitated as a number of calls didn’t go their way at the offensive end and it was beginning to affect their play. Darfield were battering Retford each time they got the ball. It was clear the referee was going to let this one be a physical game and Retford had to realise it or face an embarrassing score line.

As the third quarter got underway Retford made it clear that they were going to make it a contest. They began playing great team offence and were making Darfield work much more to contain them. Bill Thorpe played an excellent role as point guard to find Richard Pedley who led the way with consecutive baskets. Pedley was able to draw the foul on both occasions to gain 3 point plays which he capitalised on. With the Retford bench energised and crowd willing them on they rallied a comeback. As he had done in so many games last season Jonathan Pedley began to take over the game forcing several steals as Darfield brought the ball up. Jonathan was quick to take advantage of the situation and would go on to burn Darfield for 10 in the final quarter.

Although Retford would go on to out score Darfield 34-21 in the second half the damage was done in the first. Darfield would go on to win the game 74 – 50. Retford have to be pleased with their performance. Still a division 2 team they have proved they compete with a division 1 team when playing their game. If they can learn to maintain this level of play a lot more wins will be coming their way. Better luck next time lads.

Retford 78 - 61 Hull Wasps (14th Jan 2009)

Hull would be mistaken if they thought they were in for an easy game last Wednesday when they prepared to take on Retford. In their last encounter Retford were undermanned and were unable to contain Hull as they went on to easily beat them. This time it was an entirely different side that took to the floor. Retford have increased their training sessions and have brought in new coach Matt Snowden who’s influence on the defensive end have been tremendous.

From the opening tip both teams seemed a little hesitant in taking their shots. In recent games Retford have had such poor first quarters where they have let the opposing team gain a great advantage. Retford showed no sign of those jitters as they matched Hull basket for basket. Retford have always played a zone defence and were playing Hull man to man. As Retford are a running team this made more sense and made it harder for Hull’s players to get free for the ball. At the end of the first quarter Hull led Retford slightly 15-13.

As the second quarter got underway Retford began to find their rhythm and their man Will Evans on the fast break. Evans Will was able to finish the lay-up each time and go on to punish Hull for 8 points. Retford were dictating the tempo of the game by talking to each other and helping their team mates out at both ends of the court, most noticeably the defensive end. The man to man defence was beginning to take its toll on Hull and as the quarter came to a close Retford trailed only 30-31

With only one man on the bench for Hull, Retford knew their chance would come late in the game to take advantage and break away. And as the second half got underway the break was led by the Retford front court and Jonathan Pedley who scored 3 consecutive 3-point baskets. Will Evans was also able to execute on the fast break and the lead was quickly up to 15 points.

Retford didn’t stop their, playing as if they were down they looked a team hungry for points as all of the team got involved in the scoring action. Matt Sadler was found open under the basket for his first points of the season thanks in fact to great ball movement by Retford

With the game nearly over Hull resorted to a full court press to try and force the turnover. Unlike in previous situations Retford would handle the pressure and go on to accomplish a well fought victory against a tough rival.

Retford 85 - 58 Axholme (18th Jan 2009)

Retford were in action twice last week and their second fixture saw them take on Axholme tanks. And it was double cause for celebrations as the team went on to win their second game of year giving them a 2-1 record in 2009.

From the opening tip Retford created problems for Axholme at both ends of the court. Retford stuck with their new style of man to man defence and Axholme were unable to create any good opportunities. Retford were able to dominate the defensive boards, and with their defence igniting their offence Axholme were unable to contain Retford’s fast break.

Until this point he had by his standards had average games, but his third game back with the team Jonathan Pedley would find his stride and unfortunately for Axholme his shot as he would go on to burn Axholme for 37 points. But Jonathan had plenty of help from his team mates including Will Evans on the fast break as he did what he consistently does since he joined Retford, be too quick for the opposition to contain. Unfortunately for Retford, Evan’s jolted his knee in the process of making a lay-up late in the second quarter which would mean him being side lined for the remainder of the game.

As the second half began Retford would get a helping hand from their bench and they didn’t disappoint in making up the numbers in Evans’ absence. Jamie Bolsher stepped into the role of point guard and created all kinds of problems for Axholme at the offensive. Bolsher was able to draw a number of fouls as he went on to score a season high 8 points putting Axholme over the team fouls thresh hold. Steve Harrison was also a factor inside and was able to convert on great distributions from Dave Wright another bench player who made a tremendous contribution.

The final quarter was a formality that saw Retford chasing not only the victory but season high points tally. There was some brotherly chemistry on court as Jonathan Pedley would connect with Richard Pedley who went on to score 6 straight points. Retford would go on to close the game out in style beating Axholme 85-58.

The most noticeable aspect of Retford’s game is that it is clearly a team effort. Everyone is contributing not only in the points department but at the defensive end, working the ball well as a team to create easy baskets. It’s this team effort that is making Retford so hard to beat at the minute.

Retford 79 - 82 East Riding (21st Jan 2009)

Retford faced East Riding last week in their second encounter of the season which both sides must have been looking forward too. The two teams have shared a healthy rivalry over the years and are quite evenly matched though neither would like to admit it. In their last encounter East Riding had the better of Retford by quite some margin due to a number of players being unavailable. But with a full squad and a winning streak behind them, Retford fancied their chances with their current form.

From the opening tip it was clear things had changed dramatically since their last encounter. Retford were the first to execute from the floor with a 3 point shot from Richard Pedley that would set the tone for the first quarter. Retford had the best start to a game this season and quickly opened up a 10 point advantage. East Riding was slow to get going and Retford didn’t give them chance to catch their breath smothering their every move with pressure man to man defence. Retford’s offence was driven by Will Evans and Jonathan Pedley who were able to react too quickly on the fast break for East Riding to contain. At the end of the first Retford knew if they kept applying the pressure the game would be theirs.

As the second quarter got underway Retford got right back to the business of scoring baskets, although now they were being hotly pursued by East Riding. East Riding were not hitting their shots from the perimeter but there centre’s were doing the job of driving to the baskets and the referee’s were setting the tone of the game by blowing their whistle with every single contact that was made. Midway through the second Retford were in foul trouble as they were unable to contain East Riding within the paint. East Riding did a great job of executing from the foul line and reduced their deficit. At the end of the half Retford led narrowly 39-36.

The game remained close throughout the second half and it was clear the outcome of the game would be decided in the final minutes. With less than two minutes remaining in the game Retford found themselves down by 3 with East Riding to inbound the ball. Retford were able to man mark East Riding out of the game and as they grew frustrated East Riding committed a flagrant foul. This meant Retford would receive 2 free throws and possession. Jonathan Pedley stepped up to the line and made 1 out of the 2 shots to reduce the deficit to 2 points. As Retford looked to inbound the ball it was East Riding this time that was able to force the steal and with time running out Retford had no choice but to foul. The Harriers made 1 of their two foul shots to again increase their lead to 3.

With seconds left Retford’s only chance was a 3 pointer to tie the game. Jonathan Pedley got free, took the shot, and as it rimmed off the basket the Harriers celebrated their hard fough victory.

The referee’s did comment that it was the best league game they’d had the pleasure to ref all season. Little consolation for Retford but they must be proud of their performance.

Retford 60 - 76 West Hull (27st Jan 2009)

Retford took on West Hull last week in a match up that pitted two very different sides against each other. Hull a team with a significant size advantage, and Retford the smaller team with the greater athleticism.

From the opening tip Retford seemed by far the more aggressive team hungry for a win. They were running well at both ends of the floor and Hull found it hard to keep up with the fast pace of the game. In light of Hull’s superior height in the key area Retford went to their shooting strengths and Jonathan Pedley was the factor from the outside too hot for Hull to handle. Pedley would go on to burn Hull for 12 points in the first to give Retford a 21-15 advantage.

During the second quarter Hull began to make more use of their size at the offensive setting effective picks that made for simple baskets. The resulting baskets enabled Hull to dictate the pace of the game and set their defence making it tough for Retford to create any easy openings. Retford were still moving the ball well and were able to get to the foul line on multiple occasions. A sub par performance at the line aloud Hull to reduce the deficit and at the half they led Retford 35-34.

As the third quarter got underway Hull were again out-doing Retford under their basket. The effective man to man defence that had helped so well in past games was proving tough as Retford had no player of any size that could match up to the Hull big men. Retford did receive a little helping hand from the bench as Matt Snowden went on to produce consecutive jump shots. Steve Harrison was a presence for Retford at the offensive end producing a number of boards. But as the third came to a close Hull were beginning to pull away and Retford trailed 47-55.

As the final quarter got underway Retford knew they had to turn on the gas or get left behind. Normally the go to man on the team Jonathan Pedley became the play maker and in the process lifted his brother Richard Pedley to a season high 19. Geoff Schwarz also came alight during the 4th scoring 4 of his 8 points. But for each basket Retford made Hull answered leaving any thoughts of a comeback slowly filtering out. Hull would go on to close the game out 76-60 in their favour. Interestingly, Retford only shot 50% from the free throw line making only 10 of their 20 shots. Retford are an athletic side always on the run and are going to draw fouls against larger sides. If they become more effective at the foul line they stand a far better chance of winning more games.

Retford 101 - 66 Rotherham (10th Feb 2009)

Last week in the NBA New York fans were treated to an amazing scoring display as the most prominent player in the league visited Madison Square Garden. Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers were in town and Kobe Bryant would go on to score 61 points breaking the current scoring record held at the garden. But local basketball fans don’t have to travel all the way to New York to see such feats, they can simply turn up to watch local player Jonathan Pedley who scored 51 points in an offensive onslaught against Rotherham last Tuesday.

Retford Raiders are enjoying resurgence and the mood in camp is good. The team have acquired several new players, and the starting line-up has never looked better. These series of fortunate events have led the team to new heights and Retford are enjoying victories over teams they couldn’t contend with in the first half of the season. As they prepared to take on Rotherham last week this was yet another example of a team that had the better of Retford in their last encounter. But Rotherham was about to learn just how much that Retford side has progressed as Retford would go on to rout Rotherham 101-66.

From the opening tip and very first basket scored on a lay-up by Richard Pedley Retford never trailed Rotherham. Retford played it’s now usual man to man defence and were applying pressure to Rotherham’s every offensive effort. Although the pressure was intense, Rotherham made some tremendous shots to keep Retford from gaining a sizeable lead. At the end of the first Retford led 24-16.

As the second quarter got underway Retford made a number of substitutions. The fresh legs worked in their favour. New recruit Gareth Moffatt proved a dominant force at both ends of the court providing Retford with invaluable rebounds. With Retford’s fast paced offence in its stride they caught Rotherham off-guard on a number of occasions Dave Wright converting each time on his way to a season high performance of 4 points. Retford would go on to close the quarter with a 48-30 advantage.

During the third quarter Retford changed their defensive style and moved to a zone offence which worked more effectively for them. The zone defence made it difficult for Rotherham to gain any breaks to the basket and they were forced to take shots well outside their comfort range. Although the defence effort was there Retford were for the first time in the game struggling with their offence. Retford appeared static on court and were not moving well off the ball. As the frustration grew Retford found themselves in foul trouble and Rotherham would capitalise getting to the line on consecutive occasions. At the end of the 3rd Retford held a 67-55 advantage.

As the fourth quarter got underway Retford’s defence came into its element and it was too much for Rotherham to handle. Retford forced several consecutive turnovers which led to fast break baskets. Each of Retford’s players got involved in the scoring action and it was becoming increasingly clear that Retford would have a chance to set a team milestone that had not yet been achieved this season. With a steal and a fast break run it was only fitting that Jonathan Pedley be the one to score the basket that would take them over the 100 point tally for the first time this season. Retford would go on to finish the game 101-66. Player of the match went to Jonathan Pedley who scored a season high of 51 points including 10\10 at the free throw line.

Retford 67 - 61 Axholme (29th Mar 2009)

With only a few fixtures left in their season Retford raised the drama and turned a close game to their favour as Richard Pedley scored a 3 point attempt to take them into overtime at the buzzer. Retford would hold their poise and go on to defeat Axholme 67-61.

As the first quarter got underway it was Axholme that got off to the good start taking advantage of an open man under the basket for an easy lay-up. Retford have had several games cancelled lately and at first they appeared extremely sluggish and not ready for the fast paced basketball Axholme were playing at. As the quarter went on Retford began to overcome their slow start but still trailed Axholme 12-8 at the end of the first.

Things didn’t go much better for Retford during the second quarter as a number of Axholme’s shooters caught fire. Retford were not creating good shot opportunities and their offence looked static allowing the Axholme defence to get set. Retford were struggling to put points on the board and to contain Axholme’s shooting guard who proved a dominant force from the perimeter and under the basket. As the second came to a close Retford trailed Axholme 20-32.

As the second half got underway Retford new that if they were going to have any chance of winning the game they couldn’t let Axholme’s lead get any larger. Retford switched from a man to a zone defence which seemed to work in their favour. The guards were able to put pressure on the Axholme shooters and it also aloud Retford’s shooting guard Will Evans to lead the break and take advantage of Axholme in transition. Evans would go on to score a game high 27 points for Retford as they reduced the deficit to trail Axholme 37-45.

During the final quarter Retford outplayed Axholme at both ends of the court and it was clear the momentum was with them. With only a few minutes remaining in the game Retford gained the lead for the first time off a jump shot executed by Steve Harrison. The excitement was short lived however as a technical foul on Evans would see him rested until the final minute. Axholme immediately took advantage and executed to consecutive baskets to give them a 3 point lead with only seconds remaining in the game. Retford took a time out to draft up one play and as the ball was put back in bounds into the hands of Evans he was swarmed by defenders. The ball was worked around the Retford offence and into the hands of an open Richard Pedley who didn’t hesitate executing at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.

Retford got off to a great start in overtime with consecutive 3 point shots from Evans and Pedley. Axholme were beginning to panic and forcing up tough shots. Retford were able to pick up the defensive rebounds and hold on to their lead in the closing minutes marking a memorable win for the team.