Warriors leave it late to claim Game One

The Robin Hood Warriors edged Game One 40-39 against Fort Knox Panthers in the CellOne Elite City League finals on Wednesday night at Somersfield Academy.

The three-game series got off to nervy and low-scoring start in a clash of defensively excellent teams. The Panthers took a early lead, which had the Warriors clamping down on defense before charging back into the game.

And the decisive moment came when Warriors’ Keiron Dill laid up thanks to a defensive breakdown by the Panthers with just 11 seconds to go. 

The high-scorers were Dave Middleton, for the Warriors, with 13, while big man Jonathan Lowe  scored 12 for the Panthers.

Historically in the ECL finals, no team has come back from being down in the series to take the title.

But so far in the playoffs the Panthers have come back twice in a row to reach the finals.

Conversely, the Warriors have shown to have the killer instinct when up in a series. 

Defense, strength of will, and heart will decide the next game and the fate of the Championship Trophy is now in the balance.

The Panthers have no margin for error and coach Hendrickson said: “It’s like playing our mirror image  and right now the reflection is winning the battle.” 

Warriors coach John is planning his “champagne bath “ and Championship celebrations. 

Time will tell if he is correct but this morning he is as close as one can be.

Fans are invited to watch the next game on Saturday at 8:30pm at Somersfield.

It’s win or go home for the Panthers and Championship or bust for the Warriors.