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Hyndburn Central Venue League. 🏀🔥

🏀 We’re running Tuesday night basketball sessions
📍 Mount Carmel High School - Accrington
🕗 8:00–9:30pm

23/10/2026

🦖 RAPTORS TURN BACK TIME WITH ANOTHER VICTORY! 🏀🔥

Rossendale Raptors 67 – 56 Time Team
🏆 Hyndburn Basketball League
📍 Accrington & Rossendale College
📅 Thursday 22nd October 2026

The Rossendale Raptors continued their winning ways on Thursday evening, defeating Time Team 67–56 in a performance that combined sharp shooting, determined defending and the occasional moment that made Coach Mark Kennedy question his life choices.

Despite their name, Time Team couldn’t turn back the clock, and by the final buzzer, the Raptors had successfully buried their opponents’ hopes of victory. Somewhere, Tony Robinson was probably preparing an excavation.

⛹️ THE GAME – A TALE OF FOUR QUARTERS

The Raptors came out firing, taking the opening quarter 19–16. It wasn’t always pretty basketball, but it was effective, and nobody was awarding points for artistic interpretation.

The second quarter was where the Raptors really sank their teeth in. A commanding 17–9 run stretched the lead to 36–25 at half-time, leaving Time Team with plenty of digging to do.

Unfortunately, someone appeared to have turned the Raptors’ shooting settings down during the interval.

Time Team fought back to take the third quarter 17–13, narrowing the gap to seven points. For a brief moment, the opposition sensed an opportunity, while the Raptors remembered that basketball games inconveniently last four quarters.

But the final period belonged to Rossendale. An 18–14 finish restored order, secured the 11-point victory and ensured everyone could head home with their dignity largely intact.

🌟 PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS – THE USUAL SUSPECTS

🔥 Myles Haworth – 23 points

Another outstanding performance from the Raptors’ leading scorer. Myles was a constant offensive threat, dropping 23 points and giving Time Team’s defence more problems than an archaeologist with a plastic spade.

💪 Anthony Boyd – 19 points

Penny delivered another powerful offensive display, contributing 19 points and providing the perfect supporting act. Between him and Myles, the pair accounted for 42 of the Raptors’ 67 points. That’s nearly 63% of the team’s scoring. Not that anyone’s counting. Except Anthony, probably.

🎯 Harru Steele – 14 points

Harru continued his impressive form with 14 points and a spotless disciplinary record. Zero fouls. Fourteen points. Clearly someone who understands that you can cause considerable damage without leaving fingerprints.

🦖 Matthew Ryznar – 8 points

Matthew chipped in with eight valuable points and four fouls, proving that basketball is both a contact sport and, occasionally, an opportunity to test the referee’s patience.

👏 James Watson – 3 points

James contributed three points and two fouls in another appearance that will undoubtedly feature prominently in his autobiography. His scoring contribution may have been modest, but his commitment to reminding everyone about it was presumably world-class.

🧠 COACH’S CORNER

Coach Mark Kennedy once again masterminded the victory from the sidelines, resisting the temptation to substitute himself on and show everyone how it was done.

With 67 points on the board, a third-quarter wobble safely negotiated and another win secured, Kennedy had plenty to be pleased about.

The Raptors’ three leading scorers combined for 56 points, remarkably matching Time Team’s entire total.

“Great success!”

🦖 NEXT UP – THE TURBINES AWAIT!

📅 Thursday 5th November
🕣 8:30pm
🏀 West Craven Turbines vs Rossendale Raptors
📍 Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus

The Raptors now have a week off from competitive action before facing West Craven Turbines. With the team building momentum, the challenge will be to keep the victories coming and perhaps avoid giving Coach Kennedy another third-quarter headache.

Training resumes Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington, where shooting, defence and remembering which team you’re passing to will undoubtedly feature on the agenda.

Another win. Another 67 points. Another reason to fear the Raptors.

UP THE RAPTORS! 🦖🔥🏀

✍️ Guy LeDo
Sports Correspondent – Rossendale Raptors

09/10/2026

🦖 Raptors Maul Grizzlies in Ruthless Second-Half Display!

Rishton Grizzlies 36 – 67 Rossendale Raptors

🏀 Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington

The Rossendale Raptors continued their impressive start to the season with a commanding 31-point victory over Rishton Grizzlies, delivering a dominant second-half performance that left their opponents with nowhere to hide.

The Grizzlies came ready to scrap, but unfortunately for them, the Raptors were higher up the food chain. 🦖

🏀 A Slow Burn Before the Raptors Roared

The Raptors established an early advantage, taking the opening quarter 16–11, before both sides struggled to find their attacking rhythm in a scrappy second period.

At half-time, Rossendale held a modest 25–17 lead. The Grizzlies were still within striking distance, but Coach Mark Kennedy’s Raptors had other ideas.

Whatever happened during the half-time team talk certainly worked.

The Raptors emerged with renewed intensity, outscoring Rishton 19–6 in the third quarter. Defensive pressure increased, the scoring opened up, and the eight-point advantage suddenly became a commanding 21-point lead.

And they weren’t finished.

Rossendale poured in another 23 points in the final quarter, their highest-scoring period of the evening, to seal a comprehensive 67–36 victory.

The Raptors won all four quarters, outscoring Rishton 42–19 after half-time.

🌟 Raptors Player Highlights

🔥 Harry Steele – 19 points

Leading the Raptors’ scoring charge, Harry (Harru) Steele delivered another strong offensive performance, finishing as the game’s leading scorer.

⚡ Myles Haworth – 14 points

A valuable contribution from Haworth, whose double-digit scoring helped maintain Rossendale’s attacking momentum.

💪 Matthew Ryznar – 9 points

Just shy of double figures, Ryznar added another important scoring contribution to the Raptors’ tally.

🦖 Anthony Boyd – 8 points

Boyd chipped in with eight points, providing further evidence of the Raptors’ scoring depth.

🏀 James Watson and James Doran – 6 points each

The two Jameses contributed a dozen points between them, ensuring the opposition had more than one problem to worry about.

👏 Joshua Rhodes – 3 points | Dave Hampson – 2 points

Further contributions helped complete a balanced team scoring performance, with eight Raptors getting on the scoresheet.

🦖 Raptors Showing Their Teeth

Coach Mark Kennedy will have plenty to be pleased about, particularly the second-half defensive effort that restricted Rishton to just 19 points.

The Raptors demonstrated that they can grind through difficult spells before taking control when opportunities appear.

And while the Grizzlies might be wondering what happened after half-time, the Raptors will simply be pleased to have another convincing result under their belts.

Next up: Rossendale Raptors face Wrea Green Wolves 2 on Monday 12 October, with another opportunity to build momentum in the Hyndburn Basketball League.

Before then, it’s back to work, with Tuesday practice at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington.

The Raptors are finding their rhythm, their confidence is growing, and this squad is looking increasingly dangerous.

🦖 UP THE RAPTORS! 🏀

⸻

Sports Correspondent: Guy LeDo

25/09/2026

🦖 RAPTORS ROAR INTO NEW SEASON WITH STATEMENT WIN

Mammoth 40 – 61 Rossendale Raptors
Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus

Rossendale Raptors opened the new season in emphatic fashion on Thursday night, dispatching Mammoth 61–40 in their first Hyndburn Basketball League outing of the campaign.

The Raptors were ahead after every quarter, but this wasn’t a game won with a flashy opening burst. It was won by steadily tightening the screws until Mammoth’s offence basically stopped working.

The opening quarter was competitive, with Rossendale edging it 17–16. The Raptors nudged the advantage out a little further in the second, taking the quarter 13–12 and heading into half-time 30–28 ahead.

Then came the third quarter.

And Mammoth might prefer we skip this bit.

Rossendale’s defence completely took over, holding Mammoth to just TWO points across the entire period. While Mammoth searched for answers, the Raptors put up 14 at the other end to turn a two-point half-time advantage into a commanding 44–30 lead.

That 14–2 third quarter was the decisive stretch of the night.

There was no easing off in the fourth either. Rossendale won that 17–10, stretching the final margin to 21 points and completing an excellent 61–40 opening-night victory.

Anthony Boyd led all Raptors scorers with 18 points, providing the offensive punch when Rossendale needed it. Harru Steele followed with an excellent 13 points, while Joshua Rhodes added 12 as three Raptors reached double figures.

James Watson chipped in 4, with Dave Hampson and James Doran contributing 5 apiece. Coach Mark Kennedy and Matthew Ryznar also suited up, while Pavol Marcinko battled through the contest despite picking up three fouls.

Perhaps the most encouraging number wasn’t an individual total at all. Rossendale conceded only 12 points across the entire second half — 2 in the third and 10 in the fourth. That’s the sort of defensive effort that gives Coach Kennedy plenty to build on.

One game. One win. +21 point differential.

Not a bad way to introduce yourselves to the new season. 🦖🏀

The Raptors are back together on Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington for practice, with plenty still to sharpen as the season gets underway.

The Raptors are off and running. Onto the next one. 💪🦖

Sports Correspondent — Guy LeDo

Raptors Fall Short but Fight to the Final BuzzerHorwich Locos 62 – 54 Rossendale RaptorsHyndburn Basketball League | Acc...
24/04/2026

Raptors Fall Short but Fight to the Final Buzzer

Horwich Locos 62 – 54 Rossendale Raptors
Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington

The Rossendale Raptors closed out their season with a hard-fought battle in Accrington, ultimately falling 62–54 to Horwich Locos in a game that ebbed and flowed before slipping away in the third quarter.

The Locos came out sharp, taking the first quarter 18–10, catching the Raptors on the back foot early. But this Raptors side doesn’t roll over. They rallied brilliantly in the second, tightening up defensively and pushing the pace to edge the quarter 17–11, cutting the deficit to just two at the half.

The third quarter proved decisive. Horwich found another gear, knocking down key shots and stretching the lead with a 22–13 run. Despite a spirited final quarter from the Raptors (14–11), the gap proved just too much to claw back.

James Doran led the charge with an impressive 18 points, driving hard and keeping the Raptors ticking offensively. Joshua Rhodes added 9, showing composure under pressure, while Dave Hampson chipped in 8 with some important contributions in the paint. James Watson added 6, working tirelessly on both ends, and Adrian Fruzynski contributed 5 in a solid all-round effort.

This one wasn’t about a lack of fight — far from it. The Raptors showed resilience, especially in that second-quarter surge, but just couldn’t contain Horwich’s third-quarter burst.

With the season now wrapped, attention turns forward. The foundation is set, the hunger is there, and the Raptors will be back in the gym — sharpening, building, and preparing for a stronger return next season. Weekly practices resume Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington.

Onward and upward.

— Sports Correspondent, Guy LeDo

Raptors Stung by Second-Half Blazers SurgeRossendale Raptors 45 – 59 Burnley BlazersHyndburn Basketball League | Accring...
16/04/2026

Raptors Stung by Second-Half Blazers Surge

Rossendale Raptors 45 – 59 Burnley Blazers
Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington

The Raptors made a sharp start on home court in Accrington, but a relentless second-half push from Burnley Blazers turned the tide in a 59–45 defeat.

Rossendale looked locked in early, taking Q1 14–9 with crisp ball movement and disciplined defence. They backed it up in the second, edging into halftime with a 27–26 lead and real control of the tempo.

Then came the shift.

Burnley exploded out of the break, dropping 16 in the third and 17 in the fourth, while the Raptors struggled to keep pace offensively. The visitors’ physical defence disrupted rhythm and forced tough looks, swinging momentum firmly their way.

Joshua Rhodes led the Raptors with 11 points, attacking the rim with intent. Matt R. added 10 in a strong rookie showing, while Dave Hampson contributed 9 with efficient scoring. James Watson chipped in 8, working tirelessly across both ends, and Adrian Fruzynski added 5 despite foul trouble. Coach Mark Kennedy also got on the board with 2 points scored so quickly nobody in the building saw it happen.

This one will sting, especially after such a composed first half—but there are clear positives in how the Raptors controlled the opening phases and moved the ball.

In the wider picture, the Raptors sit 5th in the league on 30 points, level with the Doucheton Grizzlies and Burnley Blazers, keeping them firmly in the mid-table battle as the season tightens.

Attention now turns to a big test on 23/04/26 against Horwich Locos, currently sitting 3rd. A perfect opportunity to respond and make a statement.

Back to work Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School—reset, refocus, and ready to hunt again.

Report by Guy LeDo

🦖

26/03/2026

Raptors Stunned by League-Leading Towers

Rossendale Raptors 54 – 91 Blackpool Towers
Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington

A tough night in Accrington saw the Raptors take on the league’s benchmark, as top-of-the-table Blackpool Towers — with just one loss all season — showed exactly why they sit at the summit.

The Raptors started with intent, keeping things competitive early at 18–14 after the first quarter. But the game turned sharply in the second. Towers piled on 27 points while Rossendale were restricted to just 5 — a brutal swing that created a gap the Raptors couldn’t close.

After the break, Rossendale showed far more composure. The third quarter was a tighter affair, and the Raptors began to re-establish some rhythm. In the fourth, they rallied for 21 points, showing fight and attacking belief, but Towers continued to punish mistakes and maintain control.

Player Highlights

Joshua Rhodes led the scoring with 16 points, providing a consistent offensive threat throughout. James Watson contributed 10 points, while Adrian Fruzynski added 9 and James Doran chipped in with 8 to round out a balanced scoring effort.

From a discipline standpoint, the Raptors kept fouls relatively under control despite the pressure. Rhodes led with 3 fouls, Watson picked up 2, and Doran added 1, with the rest of the squad staying clean — a small but important positive against such a strong opponent.

Facing a side of Blackpool’s calibre was always going to be a challenge, and Coach Mark Kennedy will look to build on the lessons from this one — particularly around defensive consistency and handling momentum swings.

The Raptors return to training Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington, focused, determined, and ready to respond.

Measured, tested, and still moving forward.



Sports Correspondent Guy LeDo

Raptors Roar Past Wolves with Dominant DisplayRossendale Raptors 73 – 45 Wrea Green Wolves 1.Hyndburn Basketball League ...
20/03/2026

Raptors Roar Past Wolves with Dominant Display

Rossendale Raptors 73 – 45 Wrea Green Wolves 1.
Hyndburn Basketball League action at Accrington saw the Raptors deliver a commanding performance, blowing the game open early and never looking back in a ruthless 28-point victory.

The tone was set immediately. The Raptors came flying out of the blocks, racking up 26 points in Q1 and suffocating the Wolves defensively. That early surge created a cushion that allowed Rossendale to control the tempo throughout.

Wrea Green attempted to respond in the second quarter, edging it 15–14, but any hopes of a comeback were swiftly shut down. The Raptors reignited in Q3 with another explosive spell, dropping 22 points and putting the contest firmly out of reach before cruising through the fourth.

At both ends of the floor, this was a disciplined, aggressive showing — sharp ball movement, relentless transition play, and a defence that forced uncomfortable possessions all night.

Player Highlights

James Doran led the charge with a superb 22-point haul, consistently finding space and finishing with authority.

Dave Hampson added a powerful 20 points, combining inside presence with smart shot selection.

Joshua Rhodes chipped in 13 points, providing energy and key contributions during momentum swings.

Adrian Fruzynski and James Watson both added 9 points apiece, with Watson also pulling the strings offensively and contributing 2 fouls drawn in key moments.

A special mention to the defensive unit — holding the Wolves to just 45 points speaks volumes about the collective intensity.

With Jen Watson stepping in as coach for the evening, the Raptors looked organised, composed, and clinical — a performance that reflects a team hitting its stride at exactly the right time.

The Bigger Picture

That win moves Rossendale to an impressive 7–1 record in league play since the new year, firmly establishing them as one of the form teams in the division.

Next up: a huge test against league leaders Blackpool Towers on Wednesday. If this performance is anything to go by, the Raptors won’t be heading there quietly — they’ll be hunting.

Momentum is building. Confidence is high. And this Raptors squad is starting to look seriously dangerous.

— Sports Correspondent, Guy LeDo

Raptors Soar Past Wolves With Dominant Second HalfRossendale Raptors 61 – 41 Wrea Green Wolves 2Rossendale Raptors deliv...
05/03/2026

Raptors Soar Past Wolves With Dominant Second Half

Rossendale Raptors 61 – 41 Wrea Green Wolves 2

Rossendale Raptors delivered a confident performance on Wednesday night at Accrington and Rossendale College (Broad Oak Campus), securing a convincing 61–41 victory in the Hyndburn Basketball League.

From the opening tip, the Raptors set the tone with sharp ball movement and aggressive defence, taking the first quarter 13–8. Wrea Green Wolves battled back briefly in the second, but Rossendale maintained their composure to carry a 27–21 lead into half-time.

The turning point came after the break.

The Raptors tightened the defensive screws in the third quarter, forcing turnovers and converting fast breaks to extend their lead. A 17–11 third quarter gave the home side breathing room, and they never looked back. The fourth quarter mirrored the third as Rossendale continued to control the pace, closing the game out 17–9 and sealing a well-earned 20-point victory.

Leading the scoring for the Raptors was James Watson, who poured in 14 points, showing composure and precision around the basket. Dave Hampson, Adrian Fruzynski, and James Doran each added 12 points, providing consistent scoring threats throughout the night.

Jennifer Watson chipped in with 5 points, while Laurence Hildred added 4. Alex Price also got on the scoreboard with 2 points, helping maintain the Raptors’ offensive momentum.

While the scoreboard showed the points, the real story was Rossendale’s defensive intensity and team chemistry. The Raptors committed only 10 fouls all game — a disciplined performance that kept Wrea Green from building any sustained momentum.

Coach Mark Kennedy praised the collective effort after the game, highlighting the team’s defensive focus and unselfish play.

With another strong performance in the books, the Raptors continue to build momentum as the season progresses.

The team now turns its attention to training, with the next practice scheduled Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington, as Rossendale looks to keep the good form rolling.

Sports Correspondent: Guy LeDo

Raptors Fall Short as Streak EndsRossendale Raptors 50 – 66 Rishton GrizzliesHyndburn Basketball League – AccringtonThe ...
27/02/2026

Raptors Fall Short as Streak Ends

Rossendale Raptors 50 – 66 Rishton Grizzlies
Hyndburn Basketball League – Accrington

The four-game winning streak is over.

In a tough league battle in Accrington, the Raptors went down 66–50 to Rishton Grizzlies in a contest that swung on second-quarter momentum and a cold spell that proved costly. Missing a couple of key players, Coach Mark Kennedy’s side dug deep but ultimately couldn’t claw it back.

The opening quarter was electric. Raptors edged it early with sharp ball movement and aggressive defence, finishing Q1 just one behind at 18–19. But Rishton found rhythm in the second, stretching the floor and punishing turnovers to take a 36–27 lead into the break.

The third quarter was gritty. Rossendale tightened up defensively, with James Watson and Dave Hampson battling on the boards, but every time the Raptors threatened a run, Rishton hit a timely bucket. Heading into the fourth at 52–37, the hill was steep.

To their credit, the Raptors rallied. Mark Kennedy led from the front with 14 points, attacking the rim and drawing contact. Dave Hampson added 10, while James Watson chipped in 9 in an all-action display. James Doran (6) and Adrian Fruzynski (5) provided valuable support, and Laurence Hildred and Alex Price added key minutes in rotation.

Doucheton Grizzlies did plenty of talking — strutting around like they were the ’96 Chicago Bulls in full dynasty mode. Fair play, they got the win. But a gentle reminder: you’re currently sitting fourth in the league table, lads. Let’s not start engraving trophies just yet.

The Raptors may have had a shortened bench, but the fight, intensity and togetherness were still there. Streaks end. Standards don’t.

Back to work Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School. The response starts now.

Sports Correspondent Guy LeDo

Raptors Edge Mammoth for Fourth Straight WinRossendale Raptors 58 – 53 MammothHyndburn Basketball League – AccringtonFou...
13/02/2026

Raptors Edge Mammoth for Fourth Straight Win

Rossendale Raptors 58 – 53 Mammoth
Hyndburn Basketball League – Accrington

Four on the bounce. The Rossendale Raptors held their nerve in Accrington to grind out a hard-fought 58–53 league win over Mammoth, proving once again that composure in the closing minutes wins basketball games.

The Raptors exploded out of the blocks in Q1, storming to a 24–10 lead with crisp ball movement and aggressive drives to the rim. James Watson set the tone early, attacking inside and finishing through contact as Rossendale imposed themselves physically.

Mammoth responded in the second, tightening defensively and edging the quarter 18–13. The third became a chess match — bodies on the floor, fouls traded, and every possession contested. By the fourth, it was a scrap.

With just 36 seconds remaining, Mammoth’s Liam Potter drained a three to cut it to 58–53 and inject late drama. But the Raptors stayed ice-cold under pressure. Joshua Rhodes calmly knocked down crucial free throws in the final minute, and the defensive unit closed ranks to see the game out.

Standout Performers

🔥 James Watson (17 pts) – Led from the front, relentless in the paint and clinical when it mattered.
🎯 Joshua Rhodes (14 pts) – Big buckets and clutch free throws down the stretch.
💪 Dave Hampson (8 pts) – Strong interior presence, battling on both ends.
⚡ Jennifer Watson (7 pts) – Composed at the line and steady throughout.
🎽 Laurence Hildred (5 pts) and Alex Price (4 pts) added vital contributions in key moments.

Coach Mark Kennedy will be pleased with the defensive resilience and game management in the closing stages — an area the squad has clearly sharpened during this winning run.

Quarter scores told the story:
Q1: 24–10
Q2: 13–18
Q3: 10–12
Q4: 11–13

This wasn’t flashy. It was disciplined. It was gritty. It was a team that knows how to win.

Four consecutive league victories now for the Raptors — and momentum is building at exactly the right time.

Next up: training Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School in Accrington as the lads look to sharpen the claws even further.

The Raptors are rolling… and they’re not done yet.

— Sports Correspondent Guy LeDo 🦖

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