SLBA Week 1 Round Up

It’s been a baptism of fire for our local league teams as they star their Strathclyde League campaigns.

New look squads across all 3 of Renfrew’s local league teams have saw player promotion and new faces join the club in what will be one of the biggest transitional seasons we have seen for a few years.

Renfrew 3 started their season in division 3 with a tough away tie against a Glasgow Storm team that will be looking to compete for the title this season. Coaches Michael and Sean have a mixed bag of experience and youth in their squad as our recreational team continue to gel.

Storm raced out to an early lead that they built on throughout the game. A solid 3rd quarter saw Renfrew compete more but the result was never in doubt Storm winning 75-32.

Rocks top scorer:

Sean Ramage - 13pts.

Our Men’s division 2 development started the season with two tough fixtures in 7 days, firstly taking on the newly formed Paisley 1 squad away and secondly against rebranded SLBA stalwarts EK Spartans at home.

Rocks knew they would face a big experienced Paisley side and for the first half went toe to toe with their opponent’s shooting well from outside while Paisley capitalised on their post presence. Rocks foul trouble throughout the game led to key players having to sit and Paisley converted their free throws at a high rate to stretch their lead to double digits. A late push from Renfrew saw this cut to 7 points before Paisley themselves went on a final run to see out the game with a 75-56 win.

Rocks top scorers:

Perez Bamigboye - 10

Jack Cumming - 10

Rocks 2 second game came at home against EK Spartans. A sloppy first half saw the visitors take a 14 point lead into the half but a change in defensive tactics and focus on offensive movement and finishing allowed Renfrew to make their way back into the game. Eventually taking the lead mid way through the 4th quarter it was once again fouls that would decide the outcome of the game as Spartans converted some late free throws to go up. Renfrew had 2 last gasp opportunities to win or tie the game at the buzzer but it wasn’t to be for the young squad who have learned they have to adapt quickly to compete in this league.

Rocks top scorers:

Innes MacDonald - 24

Nairn McKeon - 12

Jack Cumming - 12

Finally Rocks 1 travelled the short distance to Shawlands to take on a Glasgow Devils team who have done well over the years to grow into one of the most competitive clubs in SLBA.

A slow start for both teams saw a low scoring half before Devils began to gain their rhythm and knock down their outside shots. Renfrew looked to capitalise on their post presence but were stung by Devils on the break as the score quickly became double figures and out of reach. A disappointing start to the season in a game that should have been more competitive.

Devils winning 75-46.

Rocks top scorers:

Jamie Frew - 10

Cammy Gillanders - 9

Michael Johnstone - 9