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Manor Heat have crept ahead to go top in every league from U14 girls to U16 boys after claiming a number of victories to provide an exciting climax to the current season as teams scramble to fulfil their fixtures before the 30th April deadline. The season is not yet complete and their is still time for teams to finalise their affairs but with just 15 days remaining until the official end of the league season, the clock is ticking.
Huntcliff Hawks handed Manor Heat a big boost in the U12 league when they forfeited their league fixture. Hawks were looking strong contenders and were previously unbeaten. The Saltburn side had just won their semi final clash with Manor Heat B to reach the Final of the U12 County Cup at Eston Sports Academy which will compensate for missing out on the league.
Egglescliffe Explosion pose the only real threat to Manor's title aspirations in the U12 league and will need to work very hard in the final days to chase up remaining games.
In the U14 league, Manor moved 5pts clear of Nunthorpe Lions, although Lions have one game in hand. Macmillan Magic, who have dominated proceedings for much of the season are in third place and look to have given up the chase as they are now 9pts behind Manor. The superb form of Adam Stoddart and Macaulay Novak has been a significant factor in maintaining the Hartlepool sides unbeaten run in the U14 league.
Lewis Fisher has been one of the contenders for MVP this season with some great leadership on the court coupled with some high scoring displays which have boosted Manor's hopes of clinching the U16 league title. The strong guard's recent 30pt haul over Kings Academy placed Manor in a good position, entering the final two weeks. Stokesley Tigers are in second place, just 4pts behind but with two losses. Tigers excellent season is deserving of a top three finish as is UCA Allstarz who are in third place having only played six games. All three teams are still in the running for the league title and in the last two weeks anything can happen, although it must be said the favourites are Manor Heat.
The importance of fulfilling fixtures has been highlighted both in the College and Schools leagues recently and teams will benefit next season by organising games as early as possible to avoid any back logs late in the season. In Huntcliff's case, the U12 team could have pushed for a league title had they completed their schedule.
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