Crusaders U14′s season came crashing to and end with an empathatic 111-61 defeat to a very talented, athletic Ipswich team. For the first time this season, Crusaders were smaller than their opposition with their starting 3 big me standing 6ft 9, 6 ft 5 and 6ft 3.

We started off very slowly and the speed of the ipswich team, especially in transition killed crusaders. Despite 2 time outs and some chages in personel we couldnt contain England intenational Robbie Makka, espcially in the post. Our first points from Kyle Vincett after 4 minutes coupled with further points from Liam Carpenter and Dave Coachman were highlight in a poor first 1/4 display.

After being down, 33-8 at the end of the first coach Fenton challenged his boys to raise the game to the level of Ipswich. Although ipwich rotated their players in the 2, 3 and 4th players uped their game, particulaly at the offensive end of the court and only lost the final 3 1/4s a respectatble 78-52. Points from Joey Barra, Tyler Russell, George Fuller and Domonic Ives. All at Cruaders wish Nick Dranes Ipwich team the best of luck in the final 4′s.

So the end of an epic season for Crusaders U14 final finished a very impresive 16 wins- 1 defeat. It has been a pleasure to coach such a dedicated group of boys and we must work hard in the off season to bridge the gap between ourselves and team like Nassa and ipswich, espcially if we have ambitions of moving up to U16 Premier. Highlights of the season include… (but are not limited too)

Winning the Crusaders first junior title 14-0

The best defensive display of all U14 only conceeding 4 points in our away victory v London United 31/10

The best defense in all U14 teams in England only conceeding an average 33ppg in the regular season.

A prefect home record- 9-0

1 player making the 1st selection of England U15 development squad- Liam Carpenter

5 players playing for South East England- Liam Carpenter, Joey Barra, James Lloyd, Tyler Russell and Dave Coachman

1 player gaining minutes for the U18′s- Tyler Russell

3 players now making it 5 or more seasons at the clubs- Kyle Vincett, Max Carpenter and Tommy Dobson.

3 year 8 players playing an important part in a successful season- Edan Backhouse, James lloyd and Mitchell Rae

5 players moving from CVL to National League- Jono Hayward, Domonic Ives George Fuller Tom Miller and Micah Laukanu

Special thanks must go to…

The players who have dedicated so much time and effort into the season.

The parents who have taken their children to practice & games, supporting the team throughout the season.

Andy Carpenter who has complied that stats every game

And Joey Barra’s Mum Celine who has brought Joey to training and games despite living in Leatherhead, SURREY