Top seeds Portsmouth Drakes took home the Andrew’s cup after narrowly beating Farnborough Jets in the final. Portsmouth beat Farnborough 60-58 in a match that was neck and neck throughout. Portsmouth started the stronger taking a slight lead in the first few minutes, but this was quickly eroded with both teams vying for the lead for the rest of the match.
The switching and aerial shooting of James Skilton and Carl Lothian caused the Portsmouth defenders real problems before Liam and Paul Green started to get a read on the pair.
Played at a frantic pace it was not until the dying minutes that Portsmouth took two all-important turnovers, managing to secure the two point lead that led them to glory.
Captain Paul Green said: “It felt fantastic, me and Liam have been working for a long time to win some silverware with the club and this is the first time so we are exceptionally proud.
Despite taking home the cup Green said he wanted to see his side competing at a higher level again next season.
“Next year is top four, we want to be in the super cup,” he said.
“We want to get into Europe and be Bury’s main contenders.”
In the semi-final Portsmouth played out another close match, coming from behind against Broadland Bolts.
It was not until part way through the second third that the top seeded side in the competition managed to take the lead against their division one rivals, having been outplayed in the first third.
Broadlands style was simple but effective, with its solid defence making numerous turnovers, finished off more often than not by right shooter Luke Jeffryes.
Eventually the Solent side turned to ever-dependable shooters Mike Emery and Liam Green to score the points while Anthony White was solid in second line, securing the win 63-56.
Farnborough had an easier time in its semi-final, defeating a weakened Rhinos side 74-32.
Fielding a number of less experienced players Rhinos struggled but were much improved in their third-fourth play-off in a 54-57 defeat to Broadlands.