Lions Snatch Victory from Sharks

Lions snatch victory from Sharks

London Lions clinched their 12^th victory of the season on Wednesday defeating the Sheffield Sharks 74 points to 73 after a pulsating last quarter at the Copper Box.

Both teams went into the game having won 10 of the 12 matches played in the BBL and were eager to look for a win in tonight’s game.

Having said this, the Lions had a poor record against the Sharks winning just 4 of their previous meetings. The Sharks on the other hand came into the game in red hot form winning 7 of their last 8 games.

The first quarter was a tight and competitive one with both teams aiming to force themselves into the game. The away side opened the scoring with a high lob from Sharks captain Mike Tuck which dropped crisply into the net.

The home side responded swiftly by Rashad Hassan who got two baskets and a triple in the buzzer off from Alex Owumi to finish the 1^st quarter with the score on 9-17.

The second quarter was much more competitive as both teams started to raise their game.  The Sharks added another two points to their score once again through Tuck to make it 9-19 for the Sharks.

In the third quarter, it looked as it as if the Lions were going to cruise to victory, but back came the Sharks with a flurry of points to get within 3 of the Lions.

The drama came in the last quarter with both teams going for the win.  The sharks made the first move with a long-range effort from Rashawan Rembert which dropped beautifully into the net.

It then was left to Zach Taylor with two free throws to clinch the game for the Lions, and he did with one to spare.

What a thrilling finish to an amazing game.

Amar Patel

Lamard A Legend of the Game

Lampard A Legend Of the Game

What a career it has been for one of England's greatest midfielders, Frank Lampard. From his from his first day at Upton Park to his last game at the Etihad stadium, Lampard has never looked back. Ever since he moved from West Ham to Chelsea in the 2003-04 season I always knew he had a great career in front of him including the opportunity to play for England.  The fact that he went on to become Chelsea's all-time leading goal scorer surpassing Bobby Tambling is just phenomenal and he truly deserves it.  Out of the 222 career goals he has scored for both club and country, I would say that my favourite goal would be the one against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The fact that he managed to scoop the ball over Victor Valdes from such an awkward angle was just amazing, especially the execution of the goal itself. 

I still think that his disallowed against Germany in the 2010 World Cup was unfair because the replay clearly showed that the ball had crossed the line by 2 centimetres, this incident proved to be the turning point of England's 4-1 defeat to Germany in the knockout stages. However, England's performance during that tournament was not satisfying, especially after two disappointing draws against USA and Algeria.  Although having said this, if the goal in which Frank scored against the Germans had been allowed with the Germans leading 2-1, it may have been a completely different match at 2-2. 

Apart from this, you can't ask for an even better career from Frank. What a tremendous career it has been for him. A true legend of the game. Super Frank, super Frank, Super Frankie Lampard!   

Bournemouth stun Liverpool

Bournemouth stun Liverpool 

Nathan Ake's late strike takes 3 points from Liverpool  

Eddie Howe's Bournemouth stole 3 points from Klopp's Reds as AFC Bournemouth beat Liverpool 4-3 in what was an extraordinary game at the Vitality Stadium. 

Liverpool went into the game looking to claim top spot in the Barclays Premier League, whilst the hosts were middle of the table. The away side got of to the perfect start when midfielder Saido Mane put the reds ahead in the 30th minute. 9 minutes later Divock Origi added a second for the reds. 9 minutes into the second half, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty in which striker Callum Wilson struck home to make it 1-2.  When Emre Cann scored a cracker of a goal in the 64th minute to make it 3-1, it seemed like Liverpool were going cruise to victory, but then came the Bournemouth tidal wave where Bournemouth scored 3 goals in 14 minutes to snatch a memorable victory for the Cherries.

Liverpool in my opinion were excellent in the first half but shocking in the second. they need to sort out their defence because they look beatable, especially at home which is not what you want from a big club.  This is the main reason why they won't win trophies, because their defence looks fragile at times. Klopp needs to look for some solidarity in those areas. I would also look for a top-class goalkeeper as Mingolet and Karrius look ordinary at times and have made quite a few goalkeeping howlers this season.  There are still quite a few games left till the end of the season and Liverpool need to re-group quickly if they are to stand any chance of finishing in the top four.

By Amar Patel