Blazers' rare loss in north-east as leaders call shots

DERBY Trailblazers' depleted squad tasted defeat in the northeast for the first time in six years, losing 94-85 away to a strong Newcastle Knights team in the BCB League.

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Jai Pathmarajah led the scoring for Derby Trailblazers with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

(PIC: NICK HIGGINS)

Already missing their two overseas player through injury, the Trailblazers were without Charlie Brown through illness, leaving them with only five senior players, plus a quartet of Academy players.

It meant Jai Pathmarajah and Connor Washington had to play the entire 40 minutes, with Pathmarajah leading the way with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Mo Walker added 17 points and eight rebounds.

Washington had 14 points, while Raheem May-Thompson had 13 points and seven rebounds.

Captain Rob Marsden had 10 points and five rebounds, while academy star Casey Burr had 10 points, four rebounds and six assists as he enjoyed extended minutes in the limelight.