RETFORD produced one of their best performances of the season to avenge an earlier cup defeat against East Riding, with a narrow overtime victory.
An outstanding bench contribution and a dominant 49-point performance from Jonathan Pedley, includin
g the tying score in the dying seconds, proved too much for East Riding.
From the opening tip, Retford stormed into an early lead executing their shots from the perimeter and forcing turnovers.
It was not all plain sailing though as East Riding out-hustled Retford at both ends of the court. They were penetrating Retford's defence and continuously drawing fouls.
East Riding were able to keep their composure and made all their free-throw attempts to reduce the deficit to three points at the end of the first quarter. Retford were becoming careless with their passes which led to turnovers and easy baskets for East Riding, but they went into the half with a 33-29 advantage.
Retford maintained their narrow lead throughout the second half but were unable to strengthen it. With 10 seconds remaining East Riding executed a lay-up to give them a one-point lead.
The ball was quickly in-bounded to Pedley who attacked the basket and forced a foul. He missed the first shot, but was able to score the second to tie the game at 81.
With two minutes of overtime left Neil Ryves made two huge defensive steals which set up Pedley for two game-winning three-pointers.
Scorers: J. Pedley 49; R. Pedley 12; G. Schwarz 10; N. Ryves 13; P. Whitelee 10; M. Snowden 2.
Retford are keen to welcome new players to attend training at Elizabethan High School on Wednesdays at 9pm.
The full article contains 293 words and appears in Retford Trader & Guardian newspaper.
