Titans keep Rebels at bay

BASKETBALL:

OLDHAM Titans under-16s followed up an emphatic 101-44 defeat of York Vikings in the North Division of the England Basketball League — David Walsh was the star of the show with 38 points — by denying title rivals Manchester Rebels 64-57.

The contest was nip-and-tuck throughout and, heading into the final quarter, there was still everything to play for.

But Titans, showing good speed on the break, built up a decisive lead which they held on to by playing possession basketball in the last minute.

The top scorer for Titans, with 22 points, was Sam Atkinson.



DESPITE 22 points from Danny Halstead, Oldham Titans under-18s were beaten 65-56 by Stockport Spartans in the North-West League.

But the local teenagers hit back to beat Stockport Falcons 75-59.

The game was played in a terrific atmosphere, and it was Titans who edged the opening three quarters with hard work and good communication.

Falcons fought back in the final quarter and seemed destined to go in front. However, Titans kept their nerve to clinch victory.

Elliot Buckley was the Titans’ top scorer with 19 points.



OLDHAM Titans continue to make pleasing progress in Division Four Men’s North.

After losing by 45 points at Hull in October, they reduced the deficit to 79-66 in the reverse fixture.

Top scorer for Titans was Connor Gent (23 points).

And they also showed up well against third-placed Middlesbrough, recovering from a disappointing opening quarter — they trailed 33-8 at the first break — to put 52 points on the board to their opponents’ 108.

Luke Marston with 15 points, was the leading scorer for Titans.



THE under-16s mixed team also recorded back-to-back wins.

Coach Michael Wright used the first match with Bury under-13s — the club did not bring their under-16s squad — to work on offence and defence in the 79-15 victory.

The next encounter against Salford was too close for comfort (25-24), with Titans guilty of complacency in the second half.