For the first time Waveney Basketball Club held a friendly at Beccles Sports Centre between Beccles and Lowestoft – which are the two sessions that make up the club.

The first game was an U11 match, and with this being most of the players’ first- ever basketball game the first quarter was a nervous and low-scoring one, with it ending 5-0 to Beccles.

The second quarter was a lot more positive from Beccles with Sam Aitken, Jay Bargewell and Mitchell Curl finding their shooting range and scoring touch.

Lowestoft really struggled with their shooting as Beccles were playing eight- foot tall rings and they have been training with 10 foot, but this wasn’t affecting the great rebounding by Daniel Rivett and Thomas Pearson. At the end of the half Beccles led the scoring by 21-0.

Lowestoft started playing a lot better and after Matthew Nixon missing two free throws he finally put some points on the board for Lowestoft with a jump shot.

With Tariq Oliver throwing some great passes he was racking up the assists and helping Beccles grow their lead, with the score at the end of the third 29-4 after Morgan Kennedy added two more for Lowestoft.

In the fourth quarter it was all about defence with Thomas Payne leading the way for Beccles Liam Barbor and Luke Donnelly for Lowestoft, but they couldn’t stop Benjamin Bale getting on the score sheet.

With the final score 42-6 to Beccles, the MVP (most valuable player) was Jay Bargewell for his 23 points and excellent attitude.

The second game was for the U13s. Beccles’ starting five was Harry Mclennan, Charlee Grimson, Maya Henshaw, Jordan Smith and Rhys Metcalfe.

Lowestoft’s starting five was Ethan Mingay, Jordan Peck, Jack Lawrence, Joshua Machaniy and Olly Williams.

Lowestoft went ahead early on then Beccles went to score on a fast break but Lowestoft still finished on top 10-8 at the end of the first.

Beccles stepped up their defence in the second and Lowestoft could only add two more points to the score where Beccles seemed to have found their offence with Fern Farrow and James Maidment helping gain the lead at the end of the half with the score 16-12.

The second half was much like the first with Ryan Kingston and George Kenndy helping Lowestoft to keep the score close with some good defensive rebounding. Imogen Long and Sian Miller worked hard to make sure Beccles were still in the lead at the end of the third 18-16.

In the fourth Jaime Townsend, Paul Jackson and Ryan Taylor all tried to help Lowestoft gain a lead but for Beccles it was all about holding their nerve which is what Bailey Robinson and Jamie Ingram did and at the final buzzer it was 22-20 to Beccles. Harry Mclennan was the MVP for his 10 points and great all-round play.

Thanks got to Ryan Studd, Amy Randall and Greg Pankhurst for officiating, and to all the parents who showed great support.

The clubs are for boys and girls in School Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Beccles ad Kirkley sports centres. Call Adam Davies on 07958 015402.