SOUTHBOURNE BLAZERS 50

BRIDPORT EVOLUTION 74

BRIDPORT Evolution continued their perfect start to the new season with a 74-50 win over Southbourne Blazers in Dorset Association Conference A, writes Gruff James.

The three-week break between matches posed no issue for Evolution as they started off strong in the first quarter. They raced to an 8-0 lead, forcing the opposition to call a time-out to halt the rhythm and talk things over.

Following on from his MVP performance last time out, Jeff Robertshaw showed no signs of slowing up as in the first period he put up more points than the entire opposition.

Evo's strong start continued into the second quarter with multiple made shots from beyond the arc extending their advantage over the New Milton-based side.

Not only were Bridport excelling at the offensive end, the defensive prowess was there to see with the Blazers only able to put up 15 points over the half to fund their cause.

The quarter finished with Craig Sorrell and Chris Canham combining for 16 points as Bridport went into the half with a 30-point advantage at 45-15.

The starters returned to the floor for Evolution to begin the second half however Southbourne were not to follow the script of the first half.

Blazers looked a shadow of their former selves, hitting four three-pointers and forcing coach Ross Hughes into calling a time-out for Evolution to stem the flow.

As Bridport returned to the floor they were able to pull back the advantage they held at the start of the quarter as they led by 30 going into the final period of the game at 61-31.

The stronger performing Southbourne side continued to show in the final quarter, forcing turnovers and knocking down three-pointers at free will with Southbourne's Charlton able to put up 15 points in the second half.

Fatigue was clear to see from both sides as mistakes crept in however Southbourne were able to manage the better of the two sides as they closed the gap to Evo – only to succumb to defeat.

Evolution will look to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season when they play the rearranged fixture at Dorset Storm.

Scorers: Robertshaw 22 (MVP), Canham 16, Lason, 15, Sorrell 11, Trivett 4, Ormsby 2, James 2, Staples 2, Stocker, Hughes.