Stronach's men in
Championship Raid
Plymouth Raiders pulled off their first
trophy victory since 1997, once again becoming NBL Division One Championship
winners after a 71-66 win over Teesside Mohawks in Guildford.
Coach Gary Stronach entered the match with
the burden of a streak of runners up spots, stretching to the play off
finals two years ago, when the Raiders pulled off the title in a 118-106
win over Ware. Since then, Gary Stronach's side have finished second in
consecutive league and trophy races, with a loss to Richmond 12 months
ago in this competition.
Against Tony Hanson's Mohawks side, the
Devon side were made to fight hard for the end of season crown. Trailing
2-8 within five minutes, the coach blasted eight straight points to take
his side back into the match, but their lead extended to no more than five
points in the first half, as Teesside's Dennis Ley enjoyed a scoring spree.
The northern side, winners of the National
Trophy in January, saw their captain Ralph Bucci earn them a 48-52 lead
midway through the second half, but a three pointer from Raiders' Nigerian
cap Daniel Okonkwo returned the lead to his team. A Further 9-0 run extended
Plymouth's lead to 64-56 and although Bucci scored five late points, Plymouth
were not to be denied the glory.
Okonkwo led all scores on 21, Ley and Bucci
combining for 17 and 16 respectively.
Bullets stunned as Hull swamped
In the Division two final, Birmingham Bullets failed to add the play
off title to their regular season crown, the Brummies defeated 99-77 by
Taunton. It was similar story in the Division Three finale, as top
ranked Hull were thrashed 75-58 by North London.
