The Hornets stepped on court for the first time in New Kit provided by sponsor Datamouse.biz and got off to a stuttering start, missing lay-ups and close shots early on. But the team settled to see baskets raining in from Guy Johnson, Jon Print, James Howard and Paul Coleman. Baskets were traded but a 3 pointer from Sam Bithell and another close shot from Paul saw the Hornets 4 up at the end of the Quarter and looking comfortable.

Q2 was less than comfortable as both Sam and Paul limped off after their pre-match injuries flared up again and Guy and James both ran into foul trouble. It took the Hornets 5 minutes to get on the score sheet before Danny popped a 3 pointer, this was quickly followed by John Whelan landing a couple of trademark short jump shots. The Hornets were only one up at the turn in a match they should have been controlling.

Q3 started disastrously. Rossendale landed 10 unanswered points as the Hornets were punished for some slack defending and were turned over 3 times before getting a shot off. The Hornets now switched to the inside game and Guy and John prospered with some fine inside moves. The Hornets points were helped with Danny landing another 3 pointer and then stealing the ball a couple of times to turn the tables on Rossendale. The quarter finished with the game finely balanced the Hornets only 2 down now.

The Hornets levelled after two minutes with fine work from John Whelan in the low post. But defensive frailties were stating to show as first James and then Guy fouled out and the Hornets went 5 down. Jon print decided the game wasn’t over and a couple of drives produced 3 points to leave the Hornets trailing by 2 with a minute to go.

Rossendale played a cagey last minute running down time, forcing the Hornets to foul. The Hornets tried some long shots at the end but nothing would drop except the heads of the players.

This was a Christmas gift for that should never have been delivered and the hornets must be careful of relegation in the second half of the season.

http://www.holmeschapelbasketball.co.uk/match_reports/Rossendale_18-12-2007.php