Game of the Week: Team Northumbria v Derbyshire Arrows
14th October 2011Our Game of the Week this week is the Patrons Cup eliminator on Sunday afternoon between Team Northumbria and Derbyshire Arrows.
The two teams are both currently 2-1 in pool play and the winner of this weekend's game will secure a spot in the semi-finals of the competition at the expense of the other.
The teams will go into Sunday's game having met 20 hours earlier at the same venue in the opener of the Division 2 regular season for both teams, but at this stage of the season Sunday's contest will be the main event with the promise of silverware on the horizon.
A comparison of common opponents so far in the competition points towards Sunday's fixture being a tight one. Northumbria have lost to Solent by 5 and beaten Birmingham Mets by 2, whereas Arrows have lost to Mets by 10 and beaten Solent by 15.
Northumbria have a new head coach this season in Marc Steutel and he is wary of Arrows' new American: "I am aware that Arrows have added some depth to their roster from last year and obviously their import, Robert Clyburn III, looks to be a great signing. We will be looking at different defensive strategies this week in practice and I know for a fact that my players are relishing the challenge.
"We are also happy with the improvements we have made to our squad and each minute we spend together on the court I can see us developing and making positive improvements. It is nice that three of our new signings had a really good impact on both of the games last weekend and they are looking more comfortable and happy with their roles. Siman Stewart had a really efficient game against Mets and he is showing the form that we know he is capable of. Ivan Emanuely impacted the game in all areas and really demonstrated his versatility. Finally, Jack Thompson is growing with confidence each game and has been a really positive acquisition."
Coach Steutel was quick to reiterate where his team's focus remains: "We have discussed since day one of training camp that our strength this season will be in our depth and willingness to work as a unit. We have shown glimpses of this throughout some of the games, but I will be challenging our players this week to be more consistent in this area. If we wholeheartedly commit to this then I am confident that our team will move in the right direction."
Arrows were knocked out of the National Cup on Sunday with an overtime loss away at Mansfield Giants, but their results so far in the Patrons Cup have indicated that the 2011/12 season will be more successful than their 2-18 finish in Division 2 last season.
Clyburn III looks to be a large part of their success so far this season, averaging 27.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest in the Patrons Cup. Last weekend he poured in 73 points, with 37 against Solent and 36 against Mansfield.
He is not the only new player contributing to Arrows' turnaround. Former Medway Park Crusader Andrew Chiguri had 11 points and 5 assists against Solent and former Sheffield Shark Joseph Baugh has scored in double figures in all three Patrons Cup games for Pete Kelly's team. The new additions alongside returning players such as Akintunde Lisk-Carew (13.9 points per game in 10/11) and Sam Spare (12.67 rebounds per game in 10/11) have Arrows aiming for a much improved season.
Kelly commented: "We're really looking forward to the games this weekend. We know we have a young talented team this year along with some experienced heads. We go to Northumbria with a point to prove after two difficult years. In terms of results, who knows, but we will bring our effort and skill and see where it takes us."