Greneway 58 St Christopher 62 AFTER winning the league title, Greneway were unable to secure the double as they lost out to St Christopher in the North Herts Schools Basketball Under-13 Premier Division final. The Letchworth school, having missed out on

Greneway 58 St Christopher 62

AFTER winning the league title, Greneway were unable to secure the double as they lost out to St Christopher in the North Herts Schools Basketball Under-13 Premier Division final.

The Letchworth school, having missed out on the league title, came intent on revenge and as a result nabbed a narrow victory.

Both teams looked affected by nerves early on in an energetic but scrappy opening period, with St Christopher just edging in front.

The second quarter was also very tight, as each team tried to outsmart the other with their effort and determination an impressive sight, with Greneway beginning to find their rhythm and the rebounds.

In response, the visitors dug deep and managed to weather the Royston storm, maintained their own momentum and were impressive from the free throw line.

The final quarter saw St Christopher edge in front once more, but before they could relax, Greneway came back at them to tie the game at 55-55 with three minutes to go.

The coaches used their time-outs carefully and Greneway should have gone in front, but their chances went begging and it was the St Christopher players who were able to put away a crucial score that turned the momentum in their favour.

And Greneway's shooting touch deserted them at the most crucial of times.

With only seven seconds remaining and no time outs left, Greneway went to the free throw line needing a one point score and then a miss, rebound score 'and one'.

The first point was brilliantly executed and everyone held their breath as they awaited the second shot. Unfortunately it was not to be as St Christopher regained possession and greeted the buzzer with jubilation.

Greneway coach Terry Graves said: "The players had given their all, were exhausted and bitterly disappointed as they knew just how close they had come to winning the league and play-off double.

"The team has developed beyond all recognition and they deserve the league championship for their attitude and effort - and for sheer guts and determination, they also deserved the double. Unfortunately, key moments did not go our way and we have to give credit to St Christopher because they were worthy winners."

Sam Tobbis led the way in the point charts with 12, ahead of Michael Viera-Roodenberg with 11 and captain Matt Brennan with 10. Viera-Roodenberg, Ryan Bowles, Jamie Seabrook and Roberto Thomas all made took four offensive rebounds, while Bowles, Seabrook, and John Middlemas took four defensive rebounds.