The team was hit by four withdrawals due to injury and personal matters and coaches John Grant and Ross Marnie made the long journey to the west coast with only seven players available – a very tough assignment indeed!
Things went from bad to wors
e in the opening period as Troon completely overwhelmed their opponents with a blistering 23-6 rout which undoubtedly made it a very difficult situation for the Muskies to get back in the match.
They did, however, produce two outstanding quarters of basketball which saw them winning the next two quarters - the second period 19-18, reducing the lead to 41-25 at the mid- point of the match.
In the third period the Musketeers yet again won this part of the game 19-17 thanks to a great collective team spirit and an outstanding individual contribution from stand-in captain Dale Grieve.
He was ably backed up by co-guards Cameron Dalglish, who is beginning to rediscover his shooting touch, and Neil Archibald, a player making a strong case for a starting place, due to his improving form in the first five. Both boys hit double-figures to take the pressure of Grieve, but with power-forwards Euan Small and Callum Hay missing, Nicky Hardie worked tirelessly at both ends of the court. Andy Dick played well in parts and showed his talent finishing the fast break with some big baskets and did a good job at the defensive end of the floor.
Jack Hunter and David Lynn both played strongly and gave their team-mates deserved rests during the match as well as contributing positively at both ends of the floor.
During this time the Muskies reduced an earlier 30-point deficit to only nine points adrift before Troon regained control of the game pulling comfortably away as the Arbroath boys visibly tired towards the end of the third period in particular.
In the final quarter, fatigue became the key factor for the Musketeers and Troon took advantage and dominated this period winning comfortably 24-11 taking the final score to 82-55 for a deserved victory on the day.
Coach Grant believes that with his squad at full strength and at home for the next match – in a three match series - it will be an entirely different affair, but before then they have to play champions elect Falkirk Fury and Edinburgh Kings away over the next two weeks which will be extremely tough for the team as these teams are riding high and playing with a lot of confidence.
Scorers: Dale Grieve 15, Neil Archibald 14, Cameron Dalglish 12, Andy Dick 6, Nicky Hardie 6, David Lynn 2.
