Bury 1-98 Tropics 106 Prem Div 2006/7 Season By Peter Parker |
What a game! It was a game waiting to happen. Bury, the Champions, out to defend their title against an improved Tropics side, with the addition of Steven Gayle - a proven scorer in the National League with Worthing last season, now back at home in Manchester. It was Bury who drew first blood with quick scores by Ste Graham, Tropics counted with Gayle producing the majority of the points. In the first quarter alone the teams combined for five threes. Bury clamped down defensively and Graham hit 8 points with Seb Cain getting steals and easy baskets to give Bury an eleven point half time advantage. After three quarters Bury held a small five point lead and into the fourth they had a chance to clinch it. With the clock ticking down in regulation and Bury leading by two, Alan Hall was trapped at the half way with two Tropics players reaching in and seemingly knocking the ball away. To Burys' dismay, the ball was rewarded to the visitors who came down to score, tying the game sending it into overtime.It was Alan Hall again for Bury providing the firepower in the first OT and as time expired Bury saw Mike Nichols' 3 bounce off the rim which would have won the game. The final OT saw Tropics defence step up and Bury made some horrible turnovers. Combined, both teams hit 22 three's and Steven Gayles 52 points ensured a 98 to 106 win for the visitors. The physical game was normal for these two teams, both athletic and strong, it was a game that gave Bury their first defeat of the season. Without three of their big men, Bury struggled to contain the inside game of the tropics, a lesson learnt. Bury Play Oxford Phoenix on Monday in Copley and are determined not to lose again this season. |