DEFENDING champions Dynas Ravens began their title defence in impressive fashion after a 81-57 win over Smithfield Rockers and Victory Valley Royals edged Republic Banks Nets 73-61 when action in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) National Club Championships continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Thursday night. Playing in front of a small but appreciative crowd at Guyana’s premier indoor facility, the Linden team, known for their physical style of play had to literally work hard for their win against the Nets who seemed determined to impress their supporters.

Harold Adams led all scorers for the Royals with a game-high 24 points while Chris Williams had a quiet night, scoring eight points and forward Lawrence ‘Bolo’ DeCosta chipped in with seven points.
Hodayah Stewart and Michael Richards were the Nets’ marksmen on the night but the duo could have only done so much since collectively, the Nets failed to keep up with the Royals.
Richards was the top scorer for the losers with 18 points and four assists while Pelham Doris had nine points, four rebounds, six steals and Stewart netted nine points.
Meanwhile, in the opening game, Marlon Rodrigues and Jermaine Slater both poured in 13 points and Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai had a rounded game with 11 points, grabbing nine rebounds and picking up four steals to lead the defending champs against their Berbician counterparts.
Jamal Felix had a good night on the floor but all in a losing effort. He dropped a game-high 21 points and was assisted by Michael Bowen who netted 10 points.
After a break for the Mashramani weekend, the ‘Road to Mecca’ National Club Championship will continue on Friday, February 27 with the Super-Eight playoff.