Archbishop Beck College 76 – 73 City of Leeds Academy

This was a much anticipated match-up due to the previous outing were Leeds were victorious in a very exciting two point encounter. Leeds squeezed at 72-70 win.

Archbishop Beck came out pressing the visitors from the tip. The opening quarter was an even affair with Leeds just edging to a 20-18 lead.

The second quarter saw Beck pick up their zone press intensity and create havoc for the visitors who were forced into quick contested jump shots.

The home team rallied to a 27-13 quarter, with Dan Walsh attacking from the inside and Sadiq Makki using his quickness to convert on the break.

Beck had three players on 9 points at the half with some unselfish play. Bailey England, for Leeds was consistent in the first half scoring 12 points.

Half-time score 45-33 to Archbishop Beck.

Leeds stepped up their game and held the home team to just 13 points in the 3^rd whilst scoring 18 themselves with a balanced scoring attack.

By the end of the quarter Beck were still leading 58-51 going into the final 10 minutes.

Leeds managed to rally with several players contributing and took a 3pt lead with just a minute on the clock.

Two missed free throws by Beck and then two huge threes by Dawson and Mataj gave Beck a three point lead as the clock ran out.

A much needed victory for the home team who have had a tough season but have improved dramatically.

“After losing our best player in October and two other starters soon after it was a total rebuilding season, but the lads have improved a lot and I’m proud of this victory,” said Archbishop Beck head coach Delme Herriman.