Missing some players, Lithgow Lazers put up a good showing against Springwood Scorchers for their first game of the season.

Springwood got off to a good start, as Lithgow took a while to gather their momentum. Adam Marjoram scored first seven points, and got the team back in the game. Lazers clawed their way to lead 28 to 26 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was close but Lazers were able to go into half time ahead 41 to 38.

For Lazers to keep going they had to put in a good third quarter in both defence and offence. The quarter had periods of play that were scrappy, and gaps in defence were starting to show, although Lazers were leading at the break by three points.

IT was the fourth quarter when Springwood stepped up, and played a physical game. Lazers were running with tired legs, and a couple of calls that did not go their way saw Springwood pull away and take the game 89-76.

“We were quite rubbishy with five minutes to go but everything is fixable,” coach Richard Marjoram said. 

Lazers will work harder on defence especially towards the end of games, he said, as they cannot afford for other teams to dominate from the three point line. The positives for the Lazers were in the first three quarters where they put together a lot of good offensive plays.

“Realistically we needed another couple of strong players,” Marjoram said. 

Kurt Northey was very strong under the basket. Jaidyn Goodwin put in a strong display and, due to the absence of players, had to play a full game. Terrence Durham will learn from his first Australian game, as he gets used to the subtle difference in rules. Coach Richard Marjoram, although disappointed with the loss, was happy with the team’s offensive display, but wasn’t happy with defence, and would be working to improve it.

“This week at training we’ll work on our defences and work on our offences being a bit more complete,” he said. 

Top scorers were Terrence Durham (27), Jaidyn Goodwin (20) and Adam Marjoram (18). The Lazers’ first home game is next Saturday night against Queanbeyan, at 6pm.

“This weekend the team should be at full strength, but it’s going to be a tough game as the opposition is coached by ex-Lazers player John Fenton,” he said.

Coach Richard Marjoram was hoping for a big home crowd to support the team. 

“Hopefully a win will set us back on the road to getting our confidence up because we haven’t played a full game as a team and we need get that confidence in each other,” he said.