This week’s Game of the Week see’s St Maurice’s High School play host to our first midweek featured fixture, as Lady Rocks attempt to defend home court against Sony Centre Fury.
Fury sit 6th in the Women’s SBC League Table, one place above Cumbernauld side, Lady Rocks. They both have a 1-1 record, with Fury ahead on point difference.
Lady Rocks come into the fixture off a tough loss to City of Edinburgh Kool Kats, 75-57, whilst Fury come off a comfortable 77-50 win over Polonia Phoenix. Last week’s results will be playing on Rocks’ minds as they try to get back to winning ways.
Lady Rocks’ head coach Colin Haldane will have a tough job on his hands having travelled without a full squad to Edinburgh and still without key players this week. Speaking on the difficulties the squad faces, Haldane said:
“Always a tough game vs Fury. Midweek games can be very demanding with players having to work earlier in the day but we’re looking forward to a close contest.”
One of Rocks’ leaders, Erin Gilbride, is struggling with illness and a serious hand injury, suffered a few weeks ago will see her start on the bench and is doubtful to play which could be a huge loss for the home side.
Coach John Bunyan told basketballscotland,
“We go into what will be a very tough game with a win and a loss this season, just as Rocks do, so both teams will be keen not to drop a further game.”
A balanced game in Bunyans opinion:
“Once again we have a group of players that has a mix of experience and youth, again similar to the Rocks line-up. Both clubs have strong Women’s programs which is reflected through from cadette to senior in the Division 1 leagues and I expect it to be an uptempo game where players from several age groups will contribute.
Our team are looking forward to the match and with a squad of 16 players, we come in on the back of some strong practice sessions where we have worked on various aspects of our game.”
Fury started their season off with a tough loss to Glasgow Fever, who have also beaten St Mirren, a tough one to swallow as Fury also look to claim silverware this year.
Coach John Bunyan has looked to youth this year adding youngsters, Mairi McGill, Eabha Kerr, Katie McEwan and Abby Rutter, to boost the experienced core already in place.
Guard, Shannon Flippard was also an addition to the team last week after missing SBC’s opening week through injury, someone Coach John Bunyan will be happy to have back in the line up.
Tip-off is 20:00 at Lady Rocks’ home court, St Maurices High School. Sure to be packed full of Rocks’ fans, be sure to head along and watch this giant clash.
