GB Women complete a double-header and GB men win three for three – BWB Communications Volunteer Dylan Cummings reports.
The first game of the day saw GB men’s squad face the Netherlands, sharp shooting from Phil Pratt and Gregg Warburton ensured GB had the lead at the end of the first quarter. The tenure of Abdi Jama, Gaz Choudhry and Terry Bywater helped GB maintain a lead at the end of the first half whilst in the second half Choudhry went on a shooting spree particularly in the fourth quarter as top scorer with 13 points. GB took the win 63-55.
The women’s team followed up next and doubled the GB success with a win over Germany. It was a low scoring affair from both teams but Robyn Love’s 14 points and 10 rebounds ensured GB were dominant against the Germans as the claimed the 54-37 win.
The GB Women played again in the evening this time against Canada in a back and forth game. The first quarter was even and then Canada started edging ahead through the likes of Cindy Oullet (16pts) and Arinn Young (14pts) but GB made the third quarter even again and they dominated Canada in the final period outscoring them 20-7 with co-captain Helen Freeman top scoring the game with 24 points. GB advanced to the semi-finals after beating the current World Champions 55-49.
The women’s pool featured action from Japan and the Netherlands. The European Champions demonstrated why they are one of the best countries in the women’s game. Mariska Beijer dropped 38 points personal and Japan just couldn’t fight back from the damage dealt which meant the Dutch won 74-40.
On the men’s side Japan and Poland had a close game. The game was neck-and-neck for the first two quarters and Japan slightly edged ahead in the second half through the likes of Hiroaki Kozai with 26 points despite the efforts from Poland’s Dominik Mosler who had 20 points. Japan got the four-point win 77-73.
Also in the men’s pool was a battle between Canada and Spain. It was an even first half but then Canada held a 10-point lead over Spain at the end of the third quarter which contributed to their victory as well as having Patrick Anderson score 35 points and Nik Goncin scoring 28 which meant Canada won 76-69.
Returning back to women’s action Germany faced the Netherlands in a game that was very close close. Through Mariska Beijer (33pts) and Bo Kramer (19pts) their team powered through the last quarter and secured the 68-51 victory despite Mareike Miller’s 21 points.
