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BBL Ford let down after Derby capitulation
With four minutes to go in his side's win-or-bust encounter at the Telewest Arena, Derby Storm coach Martin Ford sported a look of helpless frustration with his side trailing by 13 points to Newcastle Eagles. By the finish, he just appeared numb after watching his men tamely surrender what was once a certain play-off place by virtue of their 94-81 final day defeat.
Not that Newcastle were not good value for the victory which allowed them to finish sixth in the Northern Conference. But the Storm's players time and again committed errors which cost their coach dear and handed Chester a ticket to Coventry on a plate.
"It's inconsistency which hurt us all the way through," conceded a bitterly disappointed Ford, whose side won only two of their last ten games. "Towards the end of the year, I don't know if other teams found a way to stop us or our guys found a way to stop ourselves. I think that's the way it's been."
The writing was on the wall from the early stages for Derby who allowed their hosts to race off to a 27-6 lead, ironically sparked for the ex-Storm duo of Stedroy Baker and Ian Whyte. Apart from an 0-11 visitors' burst around the first quarter break, Eagles' were never on the ropes and their lead only twice briefly dropped into single figures.
Only BJ Bunton, who hit 21 points in the first half alone, provided a spark for the Storm who trailed 45-36 at the mid-point, a cushion which closed to six early in the third quarter.
However Ralph Blalock and Andrew Mavis signed off their seasons in style and quickly pulled Newcastle clear again and when Darrian Evans fouled out in the final minute, it summed up the Derby season. Ending early.
Mavis and Whyte hit a team-high 21 points each for Newcastle while March's Player of the Month, Kip Stone scored a game-high 25 points for Derby.
For the travelling contingent of Chester supporters there was only jubilation. But spare a thought for Martin Ford. He deserved better from some members of his side, some of whom who reputedly had already arranged to attend USBL training camps next week. The Storm coach surely merits another chance next season..if he wants it after this.
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