RECAP: 2017/2018 South-East Regional League - Round 1
This years' South-East Regional League kicked off on 22nd October 2017 at Fareham Academy, and last season's champions Guildford Ignite were back to defend their title. But did they have what it took to remain on top?
From the moment the day started it looked concerning for Guildford as only 10 players walked through the door to make up both teams. To add to the concern, long-time player Pat Dennis was missing from the lineup, speculating rumours that he may have jumped ship from Guildford completely this season after becoming dubbed "The Wrecking Ball" for Fareham Rhinos in last season's Nation League.
The first Guildford match was Inferno vs. Fareham Black. Five Inferno players walked onto the court supporting their famous sleeveless look against what seemed to be double the amount of Fareham players. Despite the lack in numbers, Inferno didn't let this stop them from showing what they are made of. The level of tchoukball was on-par with what could be expected from a National League final, yet this was only the beginning of the season. Inferno gave as good as they received, but as the time went on the lack of players on the bench to substitute with started to show. By the third period Fareham took advantage of this and took the lead, beating Inferno 61 to 47.
Guildford Ignite were next up against Fareham Orange, and the lineup looked very similar to Inferno's match with only five Ignite players walking onto the court. Ignite also did not let this phase them and played as if they were equal on numbers, taking the lead very early on. In the second period Ignite had found their rhythm and showed why they were the reigning South-East Regional champions expanding on their lead. The third period started with Ignite the heavy favourite for this match working as a solid defensive unit and not letting their lead drop. When the final whistle blew Ignite had kept their lead winning 69 to 32.
Portsmouth Drakes were the next match against Guildford Inferno. Inferno looking to prove themselves showed Portsmouth exactly why Guildford is the number 1 club in the UK. The game went back and forth with Inferno matching Portsmouth every step of the way, despite the lack in numbers and having already played one game. Portsmouth, hoping to replicate Fareham's earlier win over Inferno, needed to move Inferno enough to take advantage of their low numbers. Unfortunately for them, Inferno used every last ounce of energy to pull away in the third period and win the match 67 to 60.
The final Guildford match of the day was Ignite vs. Fareham Black. Fareham knew that Ignite would put up a fight, but treated them the same as Inferno and exploited the fact that they only had five players. Although Fareham took the lead they could not shut out one Ignite player who refused to let Fareham bully them with their numbers. Fareham, making some tactical changes, hoped that their top defenders would be able to slow this player down, but this opened up the other end for attack. Ignite quickly discovering who their top scoring players were yelled the signature Guildford call, "Plan A". After clawing back to even scoring Ignite's defensive team countered Fareham's attack and scored the point to put them ahead for the first time in the game. With only seconds left on the clock Fareham knew that they needed to score. Unfortunately for them, Ignite defended Fareham's final shot and ran the clock out allowing Ignite to win 60 to 59.
Guildford coach Mack Hofberg commented that "We [Guildford] knew that we were going to have a tough day today going in with only five players on each team. However, both teams have shown what we can do with just five players, so I look forward to showing what we can do with a full squad at future events."
The next event will be the National League Cup on 12th November at Alexander Sports Centre in Bedford.