Halloween started early for Sheffield Saints – a player was stopped by the police on his way to meet his team mates, then the Snake Pass was closed, so the convoy had to detour to Woodhead and the delays continued with traffic queues on the Manchester motorways; thanks to mobile phones, the 5 team members who were at the Amaechi Centre were able to keep the home officials in formed of the reasons for the late arrival of the other 7 team members, including coach Garnet Gayle. The tip off was delayed by 15 minutes, but the game had to start with the 3 Under 18 Junior Sharks - Ben Cepulis, Jim Rose and John Stewart, and the 2 Chris's - Hackett and Law. Kit was handed out to the latecomers on their arrival in the car park, but they did not enter the fray until the last minute of the first quarter, as the less experienced players managed to hold their own against a very physical young team. The quarter ended with Manchester leading by 2 which they extended to 7 at the half as Saints struggled against the height of the Mancunians – their tallest player was 6' 9”. Saints were still behind at the end of the third quarter, but two 3 pointers and converted free throws brought the visitors back into the game and a 1 point lead in the final minute - only for Manchester to score a buzzer beating 3 in the last second, taking the game into overtime. Finally Saints afternoon of horrors was over as they outscored the home team by 23 points to 10, giving them a 92 – 79 win.

Kingsley Ellmer 24, John Stewart 21, Ash Chandley 13, Chris Hackett 11, Ben Cepulis 8, Jim Rose 6, Pete Olusoga 4, Chris Law 3, Garnet Gayle 2, Gary Bywater, Rich Fooks, Javan Hayles.

Saints are at home to Stockport Falcons at All Saints on Saturday 7th November, 6.30pm tip.

Posted on: Monday 2nd November

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