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September 04: Westside win first game in National League Saturday 25th September was a momentous day as Westside played their first ever National League fixture in EBL Division Three East. After four years of regional dominance winning an impressive twelve trophies in four seasons, including the National Founders Cup in 2003, the clubs elevation to the National league was a natural progression and testament to the high level of basketball development taking place in the Hammersmith and Fulham. The opponents in the clubs opening fixture were East Kent Crusaders, fresh off a road victory in the National Cup, and they were looking to establish themselves as a contending team in the division. However, Westside were also eager to establish themselves and they got off to an impressive start in the opening quarter, controlling the game with their trademark pressure defence and rebounding intensity to open a 29 - 16 lead after the first quarter behind 12 points by the hot shooting Matthew Williams. Westsides dominance continued for the first five minutes of the quarter and the lead stretched to 24 points before East Kent came back with a run of their own to reduce the lead to 15 at halftime. After the break, East Kent came our more aggressive playing a zone press and got within 8 points with 4 minutes remaining in the quarter but back to back three pointers from Daniel Worku and Matthew Williams restored Westsides advantage and sparked another offensive run to finish the quarter leading by 22 points. The fourth quarter was more of the same with the lead growing to 27 points until a late rally by East Kent in the last couple of minutes reduced the final scoreline to 86 - 68. Westside coach Frank Lamptey commented " I have to say I was very impressed with the way we started the game and the defensive pressure that our guards put on their backcourt was overwhelming. It gave us an early platform and but for some defensive lapses, I was pleased with our early performance. Our big guys, Patrick Omigie and Andrew Mayers dominated the boards and combined for 25 rebounds which helped us with controlling the game. It gives us something to build for our next game which is away to Swindon Sonics on Sunday". The leading scorers for Westside were Daniel Worku with 25 point and Andrew Mayers and Matthew Williams both finished with 18 each.
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