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Rossendale Raptors, crawshawbooth (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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 🦖

03/02/2026

Three on the Bounce as Raptors Down Time Team

Rossendale Raptors 68 – 59 Time Team
Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington

Make that three wins on the spin. The Rossendale Raptors continued their strong league form with a hard-earned 68–59 victory over Time Team on Monday night, keeping the momentum firmly rolling in the Hyndburn Basketball League.

The Raptors came out firing, setting the tone with a sharp 21–13 first quarter built on aggressive defence and smart transition play. Time Team pushed back in the second, edging the quarter and keeping the contest tight at the half, but Rossendale never lost their composure.

The third quarter proved pivotal. The Raptors locked in defensively, disrupted Time Team’s rhythm, and turned stops into points. That control carried into the final period, where disciplined possessions and timely baskets ensured the lead stayed safe and the win was closed out professionally.

Player Highlights

Joshua Rhodes led the way with an outstanding 24 points, consistently finding gaps and delivering when it mattered. Dave Hampson added 17, combining physical presence with calm decision-making, while Harru Steele chipped in with 16 to keep the scoreboard moving and the pressure on.

It was a complete team effort, with contributions across the roster and a defensive intensity that underpinned the result.

Attention now turns to the next challenge. The Raptors are back in action on Wednesday 12th February, taking on Mammoth at 8:30pm at Accrington & Rossendale College, as they look to stretch the streak to four and keep climbing.

🦖 Next practice: Tuesday at Mount Carmel High School, Accrington.

Sports Correspondent: Guy LeDo

03/02/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances there will be no men’s training tonight. All back to normal next week, sorry for the inconvenience

31/01/2026

Two Jameses Lock It Down as Raptors Roll

Rossendale Raptors 73 – 55 Lancaster Lions
Hyndburn Basketball League | Accrington

Rossendale Raptors delivered a confident, no-nonsense performance on Thursday night in Accrington, seeing off Lancaster Lions 73–55 with a blend of fast starts, inside dominance, and gritty defence from start to finish.

The Raptors burst out of the blocks, taking the first quarter 20–15 with sharp ball movement and aggressive drives to the hoop. Lancaster attempted to steady themselves in the second, but Rossendale cranked up the defensive pressure, forcing tough shots and controlling the glass to win the quarter 18–11 and head into half-time with a commanding 38–26 lead.

Lancaster showed resilience after the break, edging the third quarter 17–16, but every flicker of momentum was quickly snuffed out. The Raptors stayed patient, trusted the system, and closed the contest with authority, taking the fourth 19–12 to seal a deserved league win.

Joshua Rhodes led the way with a monster 26-point performance, attacking relentlessly and setting the standard at both ends. James Doran added a strong 15 points, while James Watson chipped in 12, keeping the scoreboard ticking and Lancaster guessing.

The Two Jameses. Watching James Doran and James Watson operate inside was like a mash-up of Tim Duncan’s calm efficiency and Kevin Garnett’s defensive menace — minus the millions, plus a bit more sweat. Both thrive in the trenches, both defend like rent is due, and together they turned the paint into private Raptors property. No easy buckets. No favours. No sympathy.

Elsewhere, Laurence Hildred and Dave Hampson each added 6 points, with Adrian Fruzynski, Mark Kennedy, and Alex Price all making important contributions on defence and in transition. Jennifer Watson may not have troubled the scorers, but her energy, positioning, and defensive discipline helped keep Lancaster firmly at arm’s length.

Head coach Mark Kennedy will be pleased with the balance on display — 73 points spread across the roster and a collective defensive effort that limited Lancaster to just 55.

The Raptors are back in action on Monday 2nd February at 8:30pm, taking on Time Team at Mount Carmel High School, Accrington. Training continues, momentum is building, and the Raptors are only getting sharper.

And finally — we’re recruiting. If you want competitive league basketball, a strong team culture, and a proper community club, now’s the time to get involved. Drop us a message and come run with the Raptors.

Eyes forward. Standards high. Let’s keep it rolling. 🦖🔥

Sports Correspondent: Guy LeDo

Rossendale Raptors

24/04/2026

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26/03/2026

20/03/2026

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27/02/2026

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