This Is Guernsey

LE MONT SAINT wrapped up the treble when they defeated FJ Carter Celtic in the weekend’s ‘Upton’. With both the Yorkshire Guernsey League Division One and knockout titles already under their belts, the Guernsey champions took on their Jersey counterparts at the Langford Centre and it was James Tracey’s outfit who were celebrating at the end when they picked up a 70-57 victory.

‘I was very pleased with the way the team played. We showed our depth and every player contributed to the win,’ said the player-coach.

‘The Celtics played well and between a number of very athletic players and some good shooters they proved a difficult team to defend against. It was a challenging game as both teams managed to upset the rhythm of the other and it was the tenacity of Mark [Barnett] and Jan [Renouf] which made a difference in the game as they were able to read the game and picked up a number of key steals.

‘It feels great to have won all the silverware on offer in domestic competitions and now for much of the team our attention will be on Rhodes where we intend to compete for a medal.

‘It was a great way to finish the season and I’m very pleased for Jan who played exceptionally well and is looking good for the upcoming Island Games.’

The game started at a steady pace with both teams matching each other basket for basket. Celtics seemed to have a game plan to not allow centre Michael Beausire into the game by man marking him with their own big players, Chris Byrne and Dave Middleton.

This freed up Saints’ island player Barnett who hit three back-to-back baskets to keep his team in the game and three points behind Celtic on 19-16.

Into the second quarter and the Jersey team were quick off the mark, with Middleton making two easy lay-ups and a three-pointer to give them a nice cushion.

The visitors responded by introducing the pace of Peter Beausire and Renouf into the action.

Both worked hard and caused problems by stealing the ball from the Celtics offence and breaking quickly up the court.

With this added support, Tracey found his jump and strength to drive through the key to convert some strong points to put Saints 40-35 ahead at half-time.

Just like the second, the third quarter belonged to Renouf and Middleton who both seemed to be everywhere on the court.

The teams could not be separated once again and there were some glimpses of excellent play from Saints, with Tracey providing a no-look pass to Peter Beausire who converted with a reverse lay-up and Barnett making a buzzer shot with two seconds on the clock to keep his team five points clear going into the fourth quarter.

The first three minutes of that belonged to the Guernsey champions who built a six-point lead with big man Nick Lawlor converting rebounds into baskets. Celtics had no answer and slowed the pace down due to a lot of tired legs.

However, the Guernseymen looked far from tired and continued to dominate and convert baskets to eventually win by 13 points.

Their top scorers were Barnett and Tracey with 15 each, followed by Renouf on 13 and Lawlor with 12.

The Celtics’ leading scorers were Middleton with 16 and Bryne, 13.

Article posted on 15th June, 2007 - 12.00am