YOUNGSTER Ben Chicken impressed as Rossendale Raptors secured a 104-68 victory over Northants Thunder. The local lad led the team in minutes and added 12 points as Raptors flew out of the blocks to build a 20-point first quarter lead which they never looked like relinquishing. Chicken added nine rebounds for a personal best points tally and his performance, along with other Raptors’ youngsters, earned praise from skipper Aitor Estrada who scored 25 points. “It was good to see everyone getting plenty of game time and for some of the younger players to show what they can do,” said the Spaniard. “It was a good win today. Nottingham are an experienced and talented side but we got off to a quick start and didn’t look back.” The Raptors started the game aggressively with Steven Gayle, Estrada and Conor Porter who shot brilliantly to help them into a 20-point lead. The Raptors dominated the second quarter in similar fashion with all 12 Raptors players getting onto court in the first half. Usual starters Gayle and Porter played limited minutes and barely featured in the second half, yet the Raptors highlighted their strength in depth as they continued to dominate the game and secure a comfortable win.
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