Warriors 71 - 51 Liverpool

SKIPPER Gareth France says Kendal Warriors' first win of the season shows his plucky side can compete,

France top scored as his team moved off the foot of the table when they picked up their first points of the season in a dominant performance over winless Liverpool II at Dallam Sports Hall.

"It was important for us to get a win to help build confidence," said France. "We have been close in a couple of games this year but have lost them late on. To get our first win shows we can compete at this level.

"The players pulled together as one and produced a good performance although I know we can still play better which in itself is encouraging. We know we have some more tough games ahead so we know we have to gain wins where we can."

Coming off the back of two heavy defeats and four consecutive losses, their night was made worse with the news that both Marc Crockford and Kon Arfanis were declared unfit before tip off and last week's star man Nathan Williams was ruled out through injury.

The game set off cautiously with both teams looking nervous in what was to be a low-scoring affair. Some poor passing and forced shots limited the Warriors scoring with only France and Kevin Mason hitting any baskets as the hosts trailed 8 - 10 at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter saw a different Kendal on the court. Full of confidence and displaying a creative play that the home crowd appreciated, France hit eight unanswered points inside the opening three minutes and scored 15 points in the quarter alone.

Mathias Basedow was in tremendous defensive form as he turned the Liverpool guards over on numerous occasions whilst adding some points himself.

Kendal were now flowing as Tom Withnell hit a three point shot closely followed by some spectacular footwork from Keith McInnes who twisted his way to basket. When Mason finished a fine Warriors move with a two handed slam dunk to emphasise the home team's dominance, Liverpool were on the ropes and at the end of the half the Warriors led 36 - 23.

Kendal knew the start of the third quarter would be a crucial period. Peter Howarth, Phil Mason and Basedow were tasked with using their faster legs to maintain the pressure on Liverpool's offence which worked well initially, limiting the Liverpool threat. However the Warriors found it hard to score themselves until Kevin Mason grabbed hold of the game scoring eight of his 15 second half points in the quarter to help Kendal maintain their lead. The period ended 52- 37 in favour of the hosts.

Sensing their losing streak may be about to come to an end, Kendal began the fourth looking nervous - allowing Liverpool to score five unanswered points drawing them to within twelve points.

Phil Mason responded for Kendal as he hit six points to add to further points from Kevin Mason, France and McInnes to further stretch the home side's lead.

The Warriors were now looking more assured as Basedow gained further steals and Howarth and Withnell crashed the offensive basket to battle well for a number of rebounds which saw Kendal comfortably across the finish line.

Scorers

G France 26 K Mason 22 P Mason 8 T Withnell 7 M Basedow 4 K McInnes 4 P Howarth 0