12/10/10 - Hemel Storm advanced to the semi-finals of the Patrons Cup with a nail-biting 76-72 victory against Westminster Warriors at a tension filled Sportspace on Saturday evening. Storm were again without the injured Jo Perera but had new signing Tom Frederick making his home debut.

In a winner takes all contest, both teams came out determined the prize would be theirs, and there was very little to separate them as they traded baskets throughout the first half. Storm looked to be heading into half time with a small lead but contrived to concede 6 points in 20 seconds. A turnover followed by a foul and another turnover gave Warriors a surprise 5 point lead, the largest of the half.

The third quarter reversed this lead with Warriors skipper Junior Williams being called for a technical foul following a foul call against his team. With four free shots all calmly made by Rich Wellings, and possession of the basketball, the lead was wiped out and the war of attrition continued until the game finished in the tightest and strangest of circumstances.

With a two point lead, Storm had the ball with less than 30 seconds on the clock. With 12 seconds left, Warriors captain Williams tried to intercept a pass and the ball struck his foot. This reset the game clock and meant Storm just had to retain possession to win the game - but Mathews went for a lay-up and was fouled. Success with the foul shots would again win the game, but having missed the first, the ball bizarrely jammed between the ring and the backboard.  The possession arrow would decide if Warriors would get the ball and the chance to win the game or if Storm would inbound the ball - and it was possession Storm. The drama continued. Following a timeout to set the play, Storm struggled to inbound the ball, and eventually got the ball to Wellings who was fouled. Showing great calmness, he made both shots and sealed the game as the crowd went crazy! Joe Mathews top scored with 19, Wellings hit 18 and Simon Kearney 16.

The two teams met again on Sunday at the home of the Warriors in the National Cup second round. As before, a tight game was contested before Warriors ran out winners by 5 points. Wellings top scored for Storm with 25, Kearney hitting 16.

Storm start their league campaign against London United at Sportspace on Saturday, tip-off 7pm. Tickets are available on the door (adults £4, children £2). A street dance performance by local dancers from the Espinosa Centre will take place at half time.