Burnley, having done a league double over Cardinal Langley this season, started the game in confident mood, despite losing two players before the tip-off, one getting his nose broken during the warm-ups!.

The first quarter was very even, good scoring from Cummins and Darren Bolt saw Burnley get a 13-8 lead before a couple of quick scores from Major brought the sides level. Score after 10 minutes was 19-18 to Burnley.

The second quarter saw Burnley get into their rhythm at both ends of the court, Dave Bolt and Lukas Madej  scoring 14 of Burnleys 24 in the quarter, whilst holding Cardinal Langley to a Riley 3-pointer, a couple of field goals and a pair from the charity stripe. A 23-9 quarter saw Burnley happily perched on a 42-27 half time lead.

The home team, rotating guards Cronin, Cummins and Bolt whilst mixing the inside players, were keeping the visitors guessing with matchups, although the Manchester team always had the player for player height advantage on court.

The third quarter was very much like the first, Burnley happy to try and keep the visitors at arms length, the lead stretched to 20 points before more late Major scores pulled it back to 15 points again.

Burnley started the final period with a 60-45 lead, but quick scores from Hulse, Riley and Kay brought it back to single figures in a hurry; the only scorers for Burnley were the Bolt brothers whilst the visitors gave it a real good go after dropping back into a zone defense. More scores from a revitalised Major continued to reel in a tiring Burnley squad, whilst the baskets dried for Burnley. In the final minute of the game, a Ferrer basket tied the scores at 73-73.

That was when it all went a bit crazy. There were a couple of sets of free throws for team fouls for Burnley, which they made, putting Burnley up 77-73, then an on-court tech followed by a couple for the Cardinal Langley bench meant the clock stuck on 10.5 seconds to go for what seemed like 5 minutes whilst order was restored. Dave Bolt iced the game, making 5 from 6 from the line before another foul from the resulting sideline possession saw Madej make twofer.

A heave on the buzzer for Cardinal Langley completed the scoring.

Cardinal Langley have been a surprise package this season, and on this performance it's easy to see why. They are tough, fit, and not without skill and organisation. I expect them to be thereabout next season.

Meanwhile, Burnley head for a playoff semi-final with Tropics at Warrington.