The Surrey Cup Final 2002

Match Report

The crowd hushed expectantly, the ball went up and the game was on.  Cheam Chargers, vanquishers of the mighty champions CIA in the semi-final were taking on the Tandridge Swifts the previous years losing finalist.   Coach Foden had rallied his troops and sent them out for victory.

The Game started well with Cheam Defense holding the upper hand and Tandridge were rattled.  Early points from Geoff, Sam and Norman saw Cheam come in after the first quarter leading 17 points to 11.

The second quarter saw a continuation of that pressure from Cheam and inspired substitutions saw some points coming from the bench to assist the deadly three point shooting of Sam and Norman.  Cheam were looking good at half time leading 37 to 29.

The Tandridge Swifts got fired up in the half time break and came out blazing but Cheam held their lead and their nerve to keep a vital seven point margin.  Then however a terrible injury to Norman Kahler saw disappointment come to a few Cheam faces.  The team battled on but Tandridge saw momentum turn their way and started to make in-roads into the Cheam lead.  A marvellous 3 pointer from Geoff saw Cheam close out the third quarter only two points ahead, 54-52.

The pressure soon started to show for Cheam as Tandridge went to their big players and piled on some extra points.  Cheam unfortunately turned to some desperation shooting and luck deserted them at this crucial time.  Losing their rhythm Cheam fell away in the final quarter and Tandridge pulled away, rightly claiming the cup with a score of 78 to Cheam's 65.

Mentions must go to Sam and Norman as Cheam highest scorers, but the best accolade goes to our mighty centre Geoff Morgan who rightfully scooped the MVP award for his work at both ends of the court.  Look here for the stats on Cheam's performance.

The Mighty Cheam Chargers                     Pete Gets The Runner's Up Trophy

CHEAM APPLAUD THE VICTORS                     AFTER THE GAME WITH NORMAN