Sefton Stars 77 v Kendal Warriors 61

KENDAL Warriors let a narrow half-time lead slip as Sefton Stars picked up their first win of the season in Division Four North.

The Liverpool-based team started the afternoon one place behind Kendal and the result saw them leapfrog the Warriors into ninth-place.

Despite a lively home support encouraging the hosts it was Kendal who set off with greater intent as Gareth France twice beat his defender to score baskets and draw foul shots.

This set the tone which Kevin Mason followed as he again used his physical presence to great effect as he set about claiming a number of offensive rebounds which he then finished off close to the basket.

Kendal were also performing well on the defensive end as Phil Mason and Mathias Basedow pressured the Sefton guards allowing McInnes and Kevin Mason to pick up the rebounds from the resulting forced shots.

Sefton responded by changing to a zone defence which rattled the Warriors but they took a 20-13 lead in at the end of the first quarter.

A stern team talk saw the Warriors come out fighting as Marc Crockford and Basedow hustled the Sefton guards forcing turn overs and allowing the Warriors to break themselves and add to their lead. However nervousness set in as Kendal surrendered the ball cheaply again allowing their opponents back into the game.

Worse was to follow as Kendal’s defence was now beginning to show frailties which the Sefton shooters took advantage as the Warriors ended the half 34-30 in the lead.

But the game was then turned on its head as Sefton turned the screw to take a 53- 48 lead in at the end of the third quarter before showing more dominance in the final quarter to secure a 77- 61 win.

The Warriors host Myerscough Giants, a feeder team for the Manchester Giants, on Saturday. The game tips off at Dallam Sports Hall at 5pm.