NEWHAM YOUNGBLOODS narrowly defeated Worthing Thunder 74-69 in their under-15 English National League match at the weekend, writes TREVOR GRIFFITHS. For this fourth game of the season, it was the home team s substitute players that got the scoring off to

NEWHAM YOUNGBLOODS narrowly defeated Worthing Thunder 74-69 in their under-15 English National League match at the weekend, writes TREVOR GRIFFITHS.

For this fourth game of the season, it was the home team's substitute players that got the scoring off to a good start against a strong passing Worthing team.

The trio of Alan Riley, Kentish and Paul Lewandowski defended a persistent attack from the visitors and put the Bloods seven points ahead at the end of the first quarter.

The second period saw Youngbloods making the most of their scoring opportunities.

Worthing were still relying on their strong passing abilities and soon found gaps in the Youngbloods defence.

Isaiah Verone stepped up for coach Emma Omo-Bara, who used the big lead to find a combination of players for future options.

Verone's teaming up with Alan Riley proved to be too strong a match for Worthing and Bloods closed the half 17 points ahead.

In the third period, the hosts took off their two strongest players to give the squad a run out, and Worthing regained some confidence.

They pulled the gap back to 61-47, and looked to have found a way back.

It wasn't until the later stages that Bloods turned to their more experienced players again as Riley and Verone helped close out a 74-69 victory.