Retford looked anything but sluggish after their two-week lay-off as they rallied to a win against Rotherham last week.

They have struggled of late but were for once playing with a full squad.

The additional players and a season-high contribution of 51 points from Jonathan Pedley proved too much for Rotherham to cope with.

As the first quarter got underway Rotherham were playing smothering defence trying to deny Retford's every possession.

This aggressive tactic proved a hindrance as very early on a number of their players found themselves in foul trouble.

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Both teams seemed evenly matched but with Rotherham finding themselves on team fouls their defence gradually began to wear down and Retford seized the initiative.

Late in the first Geoff Schwarz was a dominant figure for Retford under Rotherham's basket. Rotherham had little choice but to foul Schwarz leaving him at the foul line shooting two shots. Schwarz kept his composure and Retford closed the quarter 17-12 ahead.

From the opening tip of the second quarter Retford were playing stifling defence, forcing turnovers at the top of the key creating fast break opportunities.

Pedley and Neil Ryves were fundamental to this as they double-teamed the Rotherham ball handler who was unable to cope.

The exceptional defence meant Retford could bide their time at the offensive end of the court. Late in the second, with a comfortable lead, Retford introduced newly-recruited point guard Geoff Lynch who was able to get each of Retford's players involved in the offence as they worked the ball around comfortably.

They outscored Rotherham by 13 points to finish the half with a 41-23 advantage.

Rotherham's coach took matters into his own hands by suiting up for the second half.

He had not put his name down on the teamsheet but after consultation with the referee, Retford agreed to let play continue.

Retford used the fact that Rotherham players were in foul trouble to their advantage by attacking the basket and consistently drawing the foul. They seemed to have all the energy on the court as they stole the ball on a number of occasions. The Rotherham offence was left reeling as Pedley executed a number of consecutive three-point shots as they outshot the visitors by 11 points in the third.

The fourth quarter has proved to be Retford's downfall in a number of previous gamesdue to a combination of players fouling out and no available bench players to stand in.

However they kept their composure and sealed a long-awaited victory.

Scorers (J. Pedley 51; R. Pedley 9; G. Schwarz 3; P Whitelee 4; N. Ryves 5).

Retford are currently seeking new players. All players of all levels welcome.

Training is held at the Elizabethan High School in Hallcroft every Wednesday at 9pm.