BASKETBALL Essex-Herts Leopards 69 Ipswich Tomcats 45 ROYSTON youngsters Nathan Crossman, Neil Addison, and Joe Graves impressed again as ­Leopards started the new year as they had ­finished the last – with a win. The talented young side continued their

BASKETBALL

Essex-Herts Leopards 69 Ipswich Tomcats 45

ROYSTON youngsters Nathan Crossman, Neil Addison, and Joe Graves impressed again as ­Leopards started the new year as they had ­finished the last - with a win.

The talented young side continued their winning run and raced into a 10-1 lead with a number of good baskets, while their defensive teamwork led to many turnovers as they ended the period in ­control.

The second period was a much closer affair as both teams played some very entertaining and skilful basketball, although the Leopards were able to edge in front on the stroke of the ­interval.

The third period was also characterised by some intelligent play as both sets of coaches ensured good transitions.

But the Tomcats were soon in trouble as they tried desperately to slow the hosts' offence.

Unfortunately for the home side they were not as clinical as they usually are, especially from the free throw line, and as a result the visitors remained within ­touching distance.

However, in the final period the Leopards closed the game out with an impressive team ­display, with every player once again making telling contributions.

Leopards captain ­Crossman took six ­defensive rebounds and four offensive rebounds, while Addison scored two points with Graves ­making three assists.

Coach Terry Graves said: "The team ethic and desire to do well for each other showed once again why this team are making themselves such an impressive unit.

"Opposing teams have to work incraedibly hard to create space and time and this can have a ­draining effect as the game ­develops.