This fixture always produces a close game of high intensity and tonight's match was true to form with neither team wanting an early season loss. The lead swapped a number of times but in the end Holmes Chapel's outside shooters claimed the match.

Jon Print opened proceedings with a well worked 3 pointer and Holmes Chapel then watched a string of shots miss whilst Clowes and Green pilled on the pressure to open an early 8 point lead as the Hornets struggled to contain the Storm's fast break. Jon landed another 2 and Andy Dudgeon stepped off the Hornet's bench late in the quarter to land 2 huge 3 pointers to bring it back to a 3 point deficit for the Hornets at the close. (did anyone notice how he doesn't tire himself out by running the full length of the court? Better to stop after 3/4 and pop a shot in from there!)

Q2 points came quickly from Rushton and Dudgeon for the Hornets and the lead was quickly re-established as the Hornets defence held solid with high quality rebounding from John Whelan, James Howard and Guy Johnson. Sam Bithell and Andy Rushton scored, unopposed in the 8th and 9th minute to open up a 7 point lead and the Hornets relaxed and looked for half time. But relaxation isn't allowed in these contests and the perennial thorns in the Hornet's side, Green and Mycock hit back with a 8 point spree to take Hornets into half time trailing by one.

The key point of the game was being decided here though, as the battle of the centres was being won by Barney and the Storm's centre picked up his 4th foul at the end of the half. Andy opened q3 with his biggest 3 pointer but the Hornets watched again as Green and Mycock then opened a 10 point lead for the Storm. But the strain on the Storm's big men was beginning to show and Barney, Guy and the veteran warrior Gary Masson all help themselves close to the basket to end Quarter 3 with the Hornets still trailing but only by 3 points.

John Whelan had had a quiet game until Q4 but exploded to life grabbing both defence and offence rebounds and an 8 point quarter. Tush took control with a combination of outside shots and exquisite "drive and dish moves" The Hornets quickly established a lead and then locked the defence shut. Danny controlled the game at the finish and the Storm couldn't get possession.

http://www.holmeschapelbasketball.co.uk/match_reports/HighPeak_10-10-2007.php