11.27.2009
Witney 64 – Thame 66
Witney travelled to Thame, knowing that a Victory by 30+ points was required to progress to the next round of the cup. At the start of the game however, T.Appleton of Thame said that they wished to field ineligible players, and forfeiting the match. This technicality is being checked, and the decision will be announced at a later date.
Back to the game, and Witney started hard like usual, falling by 2 points at the end of the first. They kept up with a team, who had 4 or 5 national level players on their roster, and were only behind by 3 come half time. Into the second half, and Tom shore and Owen Workman sat out most of the quarter, Tom Shore was feeling under the weather and Owen was nursing foot injuries. The third is where the damage to Witney was done. Witney lost that quarter 26 – 15, as Thame made shot after shot. Into the 4th and the starting 5 were back on (Workman, Jura, Ridgill, Shore and Sollis), and Witney were once again dominating. Witney won the 4th 19-9 but a late surge wasn’t quite enough for OT or a victory. Top scorers Owen Workman and Matt Jura win game MVPs with honourable mentions to Gary Sollis and Mark Ridgill for making everyone of Matt Juras Points. Witney played a 3 high for most of the game, with Ridgill coming up and collecting the ball at high post, passing a high ball to Matt Jura at low post for an easy basket. Read more
11.06.2009
Oxford 93 – Witney 64
Witney played the reigning champs from the last 3 years and put up a good fight.
Witney went into this game knowing that they had never beaten the Stealers, but still felt like they could get something out of this game if they put the effort in. From tip, (which Oxford won) Witney gained possession after an Oxford miss, Gary Sollis hitting his first “3” of the game to give Witney an Early lead. This was to be the only time that Witney would be ahead. After the first quarter, Witney were down by 12, and it only got worse from there.
Not putting Witney down, Oxford Stealers have 3 or 4 national league players, so it was always going to be tough. And Witney never gave up the fight, in fact the only negatives from Witney’s point of view were a few dodgy calls by referee’s and Matt Jura, Mark Ridgill and Tim Kenyon getting into foul trouble early on. In fact, Matt Jura had 3 fouls in the first quarter, so he had to be taken off to cool down and get his head back into the game, which he sure did as he continues to look likely to win most improved player. Tom Shore had another good game, getting 16 and keeping his PPG up. Luke Gould had another solid game scoring 4. Owen Workman finally got his finger out and played to the potential we know he has, scoring 20 against the best team in the league, doing it with style, and generally owning the post on offense. Highlight of the match has to be Owen intercepting a pass, bouncing it through an opponents legs, crossing up another then passing for the assist. Read more
11.06.2009
The game stats are available – see games and fixtures page
11.04.2009
Witney 60 – 52 Aylesbury
Witney ran out with a relatively comfortable win over the heat on Sunday 1st November. Witney travelled with a small squad of 7 but only used 6 of them. This was a debut for new comer Luke Gould as well.
Witney warmed up and felt confident, knowing the last time they had lost to Aylesbury was 2 years ago. Owen Workman won the tip-off, tipping into the Heat’s half and straight to Tom Shore to open the scoring with a neat lay-up, this would be the start of an impressive game for Tom shore who scored a minute later to increase Witney’s lead. The first quarter, Witney played hard and fast, only conceding points when Aylesbury had a fast break on, finishing the quarter 21-16. It was even enough from then on, with Witney overall too strong for the Heat, and Witney ended up winning by a comfortable margin. Game MVP goes to Tom Shore again, for a resounding performance, and keeping his PPG up high! Matt Jura put in another strong performance as his improvements from last season are speaking for themselves! Owen Workman had a solid game, still not scoring like last season, but he came up with some important defensive plays, including a couple of last ditch blocks and plenty of rebounds. He found all his shots rolling around the ring and coming out, needless to say he will be working on that ready for Thursday’s game against the reigning champs – Oxford Stealers. Dave Shrimpton had a similar game, solid on D and making himself a nuisance on offence.
Tom Shore – 26 Points including 2 x 3 pointers
Gary Sollis – 11 Points including 3 x 3 pointers
Matt Jura – 8 Points
Owen Workman – 7 Points
Luke Gould – 4 Points
Dave Shrimpton – 4 Points
