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3rd Division Match Reports 4th Division results can be found further down this page. |
PLEASE NOTE - the next home match is for our 3rd division team against the Blazers on 6th December 2008 at Tal Y Bont Sports Hall...directions are on our Directions page.
Come along and support us - we'd love to see you and we always love having a noisy home crowd!
The CELTS 3rd and 4th division teams have a highly successful Saturday against the Tigers on 15th November 2008.
3rd Div Match : CELTS 58 - 44 Tigers 2
The rainy and grey Saturday morning in Cardiff was the least of our concerns - whilst all 4 teams (3rd and 4th division teams from both CELTS and Tigers) stood in the drizzle outside Coleg Glan Hafren….waiting for the caretaker to show up and let them in at 12, for a 12.30 tip off in the 3rd division game.
12 noon came and went and by 12.30pm the messages being left on the caretaker's phone were NOT in the slightest bit funny!
We gave up at 12.45pm and desperately started to call every venue we could think of….and eventually managed to secure a court for both matches at UWIC - in the NIAC building. We all packed up the chairs and trekked up to NIAC - only to find a carpet floored monstrosity of a court. But it was a court none-the-less and we were determined to play these games….so the 3rd division game got underway (under protest!).
We finally tipped off at about 2pm and both teams scored quickly. The CELTS' Wandersen Martinez opened the scoring for the CELTS - and he went on to have a really MASSIVE game ("Go Wandy"!!). However, both teams traded baskets throughout the first period and, although the CELTS ended the period 3 points up, it was a totally evenly matched period. Baskets dropped for the CELTS' Wandersen Martinez, Liam Holt, Caroline Matthews and Damien Hallett.
The second period saw a number of the CELTS being warned by the referees for some over-enthusiastic shouting (!) and Damien "the thug" Hallett found himself in foul trouble quite quickly - and, consequently, confined to the bench! Half way through the period the Tigers introduced a press - but the CELTS responded with some cool passing under pressure which prevented the Tigers from securing any advantage. The period was, in the end, deadlocked at 10 points each. The CELTS' Holt, Matthews and Steve McGrath all scored in the second period - bringing the half time score to CELTS 24 - Tigers 21.
Coach Jo Coates steadied the troops at half time - we were all playing well and no changes were needed.
The third period began and the Tigers began to pull away slightly. The Tigers offence relied heavily on outside shooting from their veteran coach and captain Gary Gardiner and their first division guard Pete Bull. The CELTS adjusted their zone defence to deal with the Tigers outside shooting threats and the Tigers' Gardner found himself on the bench due to foul trouble before the end of the period. The Tigers managed to secure a 4 point lead - mostly due to the most flukey over-the-shoulder hook shot from Pete Bull RIGHT on the end of period buzzer - which brought a cheer and applause from EVERYONE in the hall!
The third period ended with the Tigers one point ahead (35 - 36). Baskets had dropped for the CELTS' Martinez, Matthews, Holt and Julie Salmon.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, there was a further 10 minutes remaining. With their lead scorer (Gardiner) on the bench it was easier to shut down Bull and his ultra-reliable outside shot. The CELTS began to secure interceptions and fast breaks and an incredible scoring run from Martinez saw the CELTS dominate the period - winning it 23 - 8.
Final Score : CELTS 58 - Tigers 2 44.
CELTS Scorers : Wandersen Martinez - 18; Liam Holt - 18; Caroline Matthews - 14; Damian Hallett - 2; Steve McGrath - 2; Julie Salmon - 2 and Phil Cochrane - 2.
Considering the distractions which had preceded the game, the unusual venue and a missing head coach (who had her own National League game) - the CELTS had a very good game against the Tigers. They stuck to their tactics and executed offensively when given the opportunity. The Tigers press could not stop the CELTS making progress with the ball and the final score-line showed just what the CELTS can achieve. And there's no need to be scared of the Tigers anymore!!! The court surface was poor but that was an equally distracting and annoying factor for both teams so no-one really had an advantage and, at the end of the day, the CELTS kept their cool! We would like to extend our thanks to the Tigers for their patience whilst we secured the alternative venue.
Thanks also goes to the large and noisy gang of supporters - WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!!!
The CELTS 3rd division team's next home game is on Saturday 6th December 2008 at Tal-y-Bont Sports Centre. Tip off is at 12.30pm.
Entry to all our games is free - and spectators are very very welcome. A noisy home crowd gives us a massive advantage and is greatly appreciated - so please come along and support your local wheelchair basketball club.
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
Cardiff Celts Basketball Player Scoops National Award
27 Oct 2008
Philip Coachrane beat over 150 other children to bring home the "Most Improved Player" award from the Lord's Taverners Junior Wheelchair Basketball Regional Championships.
Phil was part of the Wales squad of 7 players who travelled to Stoke Mandeville to take part in the annual event which welcomed 18 Regional Teams.
The team faced some strong competition from experinced teams across a gruelling but enjoyable two days of competition.
Despite some very early starts including a game at 8.20am. the team played very well and learned a lot from the experience. They even managed a few wins along the way and were all very proud of Phil bringing a trophy back for Wales.
The CELTS suffer their first defeat of the 2008/2009 season against the Tigers on 19th October 2008.
Final score : CELTS 40 - 47 Tigers 2
It was an early start on a dark Sunday morning for the CELTS. We left Cardiff at 7am to arrive in Brighton in time for a 12.30pm tip off against the Tigers 2.
Despite a lack of focus before the game the CELTS started well and established a 5 point lead before the home team could get anything on the board. The CELTS were playing a strong zone and some quick transitional passes were giving the CELTS lay-up opportunities in offence. After a 5 minute dry spell, the Tigers called a tactical time out, which swung the balance of the game and the Tigers came roaring back to win the first period by one point : 10 - 9. The CELTS' Damian Hallett, Liam Holt, Steve McGrath and Wandersen Martinez had all contributed to the score.
In the second period the CELTS and Tigers traded baskets, point for point for the full ten minutes. Neither team could pull away from the other. The Tigers were now pressing and the CELTS were (mostly) managing to keep their composure and pass their way out of it. The CELTS began to put additional pressure on the Tigers veteran coach and captain Gary Gardiner although the experience of the Tigers shone through and some accurate picking on their part meant that Gary was rarely unable to contribute to the Tigers offence. Nevertheless, the CELTS stayed with the Tigers who ended the half just one basket up : 22 - 20. Baskets had dropped for the CELTS Holt, McGrath, W. Martinez and Caroline Matthews.
A short time saw both teams return to the floor with a full court press. This led to an increased turn over rate but both teams were struggling to capitalise and they remained dead-locked with neither team able to pull away. The result was a very physical 10 minute period in which both teams got into foul trouble and just before the quarter whistle blew the Tiger's Gardiner was fouled out. This low scoring and aggressive quarter led to a third period score of 30 - 27 in favour of the Tigers. Baskets had dropped for the CELTS' Hallett, McGrath and Matthews.
The physical nature of the third period was, unfortunately, carried over into the fourth and final ten minutes. Both teams were given unsportsmanlike fouls before the match was over and the CELTS lost their captain, Liam Holt, to an unfortunate fifth personal foul. The referees, however, somehow managed to maintain tight control over the game throughout. Both teams traded baskets for the first 5 minutes but some lapses in concentration (possibly connected with some fraying tempers) from the CELTS saw the Tigers manage to secure a number of turn-overs and they finally managed to pull a few points away from the CELTS. This left the CELTS with an 11 point deficit and just 60 seconds on the clock. The gap was too much and not even a successful three pointer from Matthews and some tactical fouling from the CELTS could pull it back. The Tigers had managed to run away from the CELTS over a three minute period in the final quarter.
Final Score : CELTS 40 - Tigers 2 47.
CELTS Scorers : Liam Holt - 11; Caroline Matthews - 8; Wandersen Martinez - 7; Damian Hallett - 6; Steve McGrath - 4; Julie Salmon - 2 and Romeo Ebassa Embolo - 2.
The CELTS were also thrilled to welcome back Julie Salmon for this game - she has been sorely missed and is a huge asset to the CELTS.
The CELTS had a very good game against the Tigers - whose line-up consisted of at least two of their first division players. On this occasion the CELTS were ready for the psychological war-fare that the Tigers usually wage and played a very solid and consistent game at both ends of the court. The ferocity of the play on court led to several unnecessary fouls from both teams - and which left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of the CELTS….which was made worse by the fact that this was the CELTS first defeat of the 2008/2009 season. And the CELTS all knew that if they had player like they really can - they would have won the match. The CELTS will have another opportunity to set the record straight when they play the Tigers at home on 15th November 2008.
In fact this game against the Tigers (on 15th November 2008) is the CELTS next 3rd division home game (at Tal-y-Bont Sports Centre). Tip off is at 12.30pm and the 3rd division match will be followed immediately by the CELTS 4th Division team taking on the Tigers 4th division team at 3pm.
Entry to the games is free - and spectators are very very welcome. We always have a very tough match against the Tigers - so we'll need all the support we can get!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
Final score : CELTS 65 - Marvels 17
The CELTS have always struggled when they play the Marvels at their home venue and the start of this game was no exception. The CELTS all went into the game nervously and as a result the match started at a frantic pace. After 5 minutes the CELTS were 8 nil up and the Marvels coach (V. Pallot - who has the unenviable job of player-coaching) was forced to call a time out. Unfortunately for the CELTS this tactical time out seemed to have the desired effect and the CELTS relaxed a bit too much. The referees also decided that there was too much red on the court and made the CELTS strip and reverse their shirts whilst on court!!! The distractions were enough to throw the CELTS off course and the Marvels were allowed to get right back into the game. The CELTS went into the first break just 2 points up with a score of 10 - 8. Baskets had dropped for the CELTS Wandersen Martinez and Caroline Matthews
Head Coach Holly Hinchey was not exactly pleased with the CELTS performance in the latter half of the first period and they took to the court in the second period determined to pull away again. The CELTS were now in a full court press and the pressure led to numerous turn-overs by the Marvels. Three quick baskets from Matthews gave the CELTS a slight margin and they settled back into their usual game. The CELTS dominated the second period and continued to pull away with baskets from Matthews, Wandersen Martinez, Steve McGrath and Mohammed Khan bringing the half time score to 29 - 14 in CELTS favour.
The third period became quite rough and some frustrating calls from the referees began to fray on the CELTS nerves. Coach Hinchey was forced to bench both Matthews and Wandersen Martinez so that they could "cool down" for a couple of minutes. But the grit and determination of the CELTS shone through. The press held firm and the CELTS continued to dominate the game. The CELTS' Wiley Martinez and Phil Cochrane did an excellent job of keeping the Marvels big forward out of the game and the CELTS were able to end the third period with a healthy lead (42 - 15). Baskets had fallen for the CELTS' Matthews, Wandersen Martinez, Damien Hallett and Phil Cochrane.
Coach Hinchey took the press off for the final period and the CELTS fell back into a strong defensive zone. The Marvels had shot opportunities from outside but the baskets just refused to drop and the CELTS were able to respond with quick transition and successful offenses in response. The CELTS' Wandersen Martinez, Caroline Matthews, Damien Hallett and Philip Cochrane all scored in the fourth quarter and the final whistle blew with the score 65 - 17 in the CELTS favour.
Final Score : CELTS 65 - 17 Marvels
CELTS Scorers : Caroline Matthews - 27; Wandersen Martinez - 19; Philip Cochrane - 8; Damien Hallett - 7; Steve McGrath - 2 and Mo Khan - 2.
It was a very tough and hard fought game and the final score didn't really reflect the game. Both teams secured good shooting opportunities and it could easily have been a much closer game. This is the first time the CELTS Head Coach had been able to attend one of their games at the Marvels venue - and it seemed to make a big difference as the CELTS have historically struggled whilst playing the Marvels away. The refereeing made staying focussed on the game quite difficult at times but the depth of the CELTS bench meant that this was easily dealt with. The CELTS wish the Marvels all the best for the rest of their season - and look forward to seeing them again in Cardiff on 28th March 2009.
The next match for the CELTS 3rd Division team is away against the Tigers in Brighton on Sunday 19th October 2008…wish us luck! Rumour has it that Gary Gardner (the Tigers first division player/coach of last season) is now playing in their third division team - so its going to be a very tough match.
The CELTS next 3rd division home game (at Tal-y-Bont Sports Centre) is also against the Tigers on 15th November 2008 at 12.30pm. That match will be followed immediately by the CELTS 4th Division team taking on the Tigers 4th division team at 3pm. Entry to the games is free - and spectators are very very welcome. We always have a very tough match against the Tigers - so we'll need all the support we can get!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
The CELTS return victorious from Southampton after making a huge come-back to beat the Hampshire Harriers 42 - 37 on Sunday 5th October 2008
The CELTS wheelchair Basketball Club's first team made the long trip down to Southampton in the pouring rain early on Sunday morning - to be there in time for a 12.45 tip off.
We always enjoy our matches against the Harriers who are a competitive but friendly team - and this match was no exception.
The CELTS started the game slowly and the Harriers ran away with a fast paced and accurate start - they had 6 points on the board before the CELTS had really got started. The CELTS began to slowly get into the game but they could not stop the momentum that the Harriers had already established and the Harriers won the quarter convincingly 14 - 6. Baskets had fallen for the CELTS' Liam Holt (captain), Wandersen Martinez and Damien Hallett.
A stern talking too from head coach Holly Hinchey in the break ended with the words "Don't expect to be able to pull that back in one quarter - we have got to ship away at it over the next three periods!"
Keen to prove her wrong and with Caroline Matthews (still recovering from the Beijing Paralympics) entering the fray for the first time the CELTS went on a scoring spree in the second period. The CELTS also introduced a full court press which dramatically cut the Harriers scoring rate whilst creating turn-overs and fast break opportunities for the CELTS. The CELTS stormed away with the second period, winning it 13 - 4. Baskets dropped for the CELTS Holt, Martinez and Caroline Matthews and by half time the CELTS had managed (somehow!) to gain a one point lead. The half time score was 19 - 18 in favour of the CELTS.
The third period started with a fierce and determined come back from the Harriers. The Harriers' Terry "TJ" Yates went on an incredible streak - scoring all of the Harriers 11 points in the third period. The CELTS began to panic slightly and their shooting technique became tight under the pressure but we managed to create numerous offensive options and stayed with the Harriers point for point. It was a tense and closely fought 10 minutes which the CELTS just managed to win 12 - 11. The CELTS' Holt, Martinez, Hallett, Matthews and Philip Cochrane.
The deadlocked teams went into the fourth and final period with just 2 points between them. Both teams were now pressing and desperate for every last scoring opportunity. The CELTS and Harriers traded baskets throughout the period and neither team could pull away from the other. With two minutes left the Harriers were one point up on the CELTS….and the CELTS bench and supporters were holding their breathe! The CELTS managed to score and get two quick steals which led to successful offenses before the final whistle blew and the CELTS had won by a very tight 5 points.
The final score was CELTS 42 - 37 Harriers.
Scorers for the CELTS were : Liam Holt (Captain) - 12; Caroline Matthews - 11; Wandersen Martinez - 8; Phil Cochrane - 6; Damien Hallett - 6.
The CELTS left themselves an enormous up-hill struggle after going down to such a margin in the first period. We had got off to a slow start and we had to pay for it - with a massive effort from everyone (on court, on the bench and supporting in the stands) in the second period. It was fantastic that we were back in the game and starting from a level playing field at the beginning of the second half. The third and most of the fourth periods were very evenly matched and it was only in the final two minutes that the CELTS managed to pull a few points clear of the Harriers. It was a great match played in a very friendly but tough manner and everyone really seemed to enjoy it. We always look forward to playing the Harriers and we look forward to seeing them again in Cardiff later in the season.
The next two matches for the CELTS 3rd Division team are away matches…wish us luck! The next home game (at Tal-y-Bont Sports Centre) is against Tigers on 15th November 2008 at 12.30pm. Entry to the game is free - and spectators are very very welcome. We always have a very tough match against the Tigers - so we'll take all the support we can get!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
The Cardiff CELTS got their 2008/2009 season off to a great start with a convincing win over the Maidstone Rebels on 27th September 2008.
The Maidstone Rebels are new entries into the Great Britain National League and it was very nice to meet these new guys for the first time. They had travelled a long way and we played a good friendly but hard fought match which everyone enjoyed.
This was the CELTS first match at their new match venue (Tal-Y-Bont Sports Centre which is part of Cardiff University) and hopefully this bodes well for a great new season for the CELTS.
The Rebels were forced to start the match with only 5 players as there had been some confusion over the venue and 3 of their squad had gone to last years CELTS match venue.
The match started well for the CELTS winning the tip and storming away to an 18 point lead before the Rebels managed to put any points on the board. The CELTS were running a strong defence and had shut down the Rebels inside game and their outside shots just weren't falling. The CELTS on the other hand, were pulling apart the Rebels defence and were scoring inside on nearly every offence. The CELTS head coach, Holly Hinchey, was able to start rotating through the bench. The Rebels managed to put a couple of scores on the board before the end of the period - which ended 22 - 4 in the CELTS favour. Scorers for the CELTS were Liam Holt, Caroline Matthews, Steve McGrath and Wandersen Martinez.
The second period began in a similar run away fashion for the CELTS with the home side able to put another 10 points on the board very quickly. A few minutes into the quarter the match was interrupted by the remainder of the Rebels team arriving at the venue and the ref's needing to do the obligatory chair check. The match was soon underway again and the CELTS continued to march away from the Rebels, although the reinforced Rebels squad began to grow in confidence, their baskets began to drop and their defence began to cause the CELTS inside game a few issues. The CELTS won the second quarter 24 - 7 with baskets coming for Holt, Matthews, Wandersen and Wiley Martinez, Damien Hallett and Phil Cochrane. Bringing the half time score to CELTS 46 - 11 Rebels.
The whole momentum of the game began to change in the third period. The CELTS continued to run through their offences but the Rebels defence was now causing more of a challenge and the CELTS scoring rate changed dramatically. The CELTS defence remained strong and the Rebels were still forced to shoot outside - but their baskets began to drop more frequently and they were even draining the odd 3 point basket. The CELTS won the third period 12 - 6 with baskets dropping for Holt, Matthews, Wandersen Martinez and Phil Cochrane.
The 4th period saw the Rebels outside shooting really take shape. They began to nail long range and 3 point shots in nearly every offence and the CELTS response was somewhat panicky. The CELTS lost their offensive shape and whilst they remained successful with shutting down the Rebels inside game, they had no answer for the Rebels remarkable outside shooting. The match was still closely matched - and it showed what the new team on the block can really do when they are settled into a game. The Rebels won the final period 12 - 11. Baskets dropped for the CELTS' Holt, Matthews, Wandersen and Wiley Martinez and Hallett.
The final score was CELTS 69 - 29 Rebels
Scorers for the CELTS were : Liam Holt (Captain) - 24; Wandersen Martinez - 14; Caroline Matthews - 13; Damien Hallett - 6; Phil Cochrane - 6; Wiley Martinez - 4 and Steve McGrath - 2.
The match was really a tale of two halves. The CELTS totally dominated in the first half - scoring 46 points. But the whole momentum changed as the Rebels settled into their game and the second half saw the Rebels cut back the CELTS scoring whilst they began to secure their own shots. The CELTS are only three seasons old themselves and we remember how hard it was as the new entry into the National League - and the Rebels really impressed the CELTS with their effort and determination. The next time we see the Rebels they will be half way through their first season - and its sure to be a much closer game….we're looking forward to it already!
The next three match for the CELTS 3rd Division team are away matches…wish us luck! The next home game (at Tal-y-Bont Sports Centre) is against Tigers on 15th November 2008 at 12.30pm. Entry to the game is free - and spectators are very very welcome. We always have a very tough match against the Tigers - so we'll take all the support we can get!
It would be great to meet you at one of our matches soon!
Match Report by Caroline Matthews
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Match reports from the 4th Division team's matches will appear here as the team progresses through the 2008/2009 season.
Celts 2 win first game of the season against the Tigers on Saturday 15th November 2008
Celts 2 kicked off their season with a hard fought win over fierce rivals SWBC Tigers 3. The Celts overcame some pre match logistical problems with venue and chairs to secure a well deserved first victory. These problems led to lack of time, which meant the game was played with running clock.
After an encouraging team talk from coach Jo Coates the Celts opened their scoring with a basket from Phil Cochrane but the Tigers responded with a basket of their own. Both teams traded baskets and the first quarter ended 6-6. The Celts started the 2nd period slowly and fell behind to an early basket, this seemed to stir them into action as two baskets from Khan and one from Martinez saw the Celts stretch out to a crucial 4 point lead which they held until the end of the quarter. The quarter ended 12 -8 in favour of the Celts. Half time score 18 -14.
The third period saw the game continue in the same fashion as both teams went basket for basket. Baskets for the Celts came from McGrath, Hallett, Martinez and Cochrane as they held on to their 4 point lead. The quarter ended 10-10.
The Celts entered the final quarter determined to hold onto to their slender lead, and the nerves were gangling when the Tigers opened the scoring to cut the Celts lead to 2 points. The Celts held their nerve though and some cool headed offence saw them regain a 4 point lead which they held until the end of the match.
Final Score : CELTS 36 - Tigers 32
This was a great start to the new season for Celts 2 and a good expereince for some relativly new players. A special mention must go to Lawrence Perks who acquitted himself well in his first ever game of Wheelchair Basketball.
Celts Scorers: McGrath 10pts, Cochrane 8pts, Martinez 8pts, Khan 6pts, Hallett 2pts, S. Sweatman 2pts.
The Celts 2 next game is away in January.
Match report by Steve "GO Steve" McGrath and Damien "the thug" Hallett!
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The results and match reports from our 2007/2008 and 2006/2007 seasons can be found on the page "Archived Match Reports". |
