The season record between these two teams was 1-1, in the first game Myerscough played Runshaw the team lost by 6 followed by a cup triumph where Myerscough edged out the visitors by 2 within the last 4 seconds of play.
The two teams had previously been scheduled to play on the 2ndApril but unfortunately this had to be postponed to a later date. After a long three week Easter break for the home team, the chance to finally set the record straight between the local rivals and take the place at the top of the table had arrived.
Yannick Kabalan, Adam Morris, Edward McNally, Kieran Skeffington, and George Metcalf started.
From the jump ball it was clear that there was nervous energy as Myerscough won the tip and immediately attacked the basket and missed the open score. The visitors weren’t to make the same mistake as they opened the scoring with a fast break bucket. Myerscough’s first two points of the game came in the form of 2 free throws by Adam Morris after a drive to the basket.
With emotions high the home side was over zealous on defence, reaching for the ball, gambling in defensive sets causing Runshaw to make 7 trips to the foul line (6 consecutive). Despite Runshaw scoring 9 of 13 Myerscough managed to do enough on the offensive end to the finish the first quarter up 24-17 - Kieran Skeffington contributing with 8 of his 19 points before the end of the quarter.
After an initial score by Ryan Knowles the second started slowly as both team struggled to find the bottom of the net. Runshaw’s forward A.Ashcroft seemed to knock down any shot he took. Myerscough still struggled to convert only scoring 3 points in the first 4 minutes. Rushed possession, miscommunication and turnovers saw the home side scoreless until Will Shaw managed to knock down the corner 3 to take the score to 30-24 to Myerscough. Although the offense had slowed down Myerscough managed to regain some composer on the defensive end and without fouling kept Runshaw’s to only 16 this quarter, seeing Myerscough take a 41-33 lead into the half.
The third quarter saw Runshaw get out to a 9 point run, forcing a lot of turnovers and converting opportunities. Myerscough used a timeout to try to refocus and regroup but it was to no avail, Runshaw's C. Baldwin and A. Ashcroft seemed to find a rhythm, whilst the lid wouldn't come off the ring for the home team. Myerscough who only managed to score 7 points in the third found themselves down 48-49 to the visitors.
Into the final 10 minutes and for both teams it was all or nothing time. Outside of the 1rd quarter Myerscough offence had been dormant while defence had been the lynch pin for the home side. Tough defence with poor decision making caused Runshaw to give up an immediate 6 point run and with there primary scoring option (C. Baldwin) in foul problems things were looking good for Myerscough. The dagger came with just over 2 minutes left when a drive by Kieran Skeffington saw Baldwin pick up his 5th foul. Smart play down the stretch and with Runshaw being unable to convert on any of their attempts Myerscough U17's ran out victors, leading Runshaw 68-57 and overall winners of BCS Northwest division one.
Coach Daniel Gayle said this after the game 'It wasn't pretty but perseverance and hard work enabled the team to grind out the victory. Much respect to Runshaw who have kept us on our toes all season'.
Leading scorers:
Myerscough: K. Skeffington 19pts 4 reb 4 Stl, R. Knowles 16pts 5 reb, and Y. Kablan 11 pts 4 reb 4 stls
Runshaw: A.Ashcroft 21pts 8 reb, C.Baldwin 12pts 11 reb
The win signifies Myerscough's first BCS regional title only 8 months since the programmes inception.
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