“First half, we were really disappointed,” admits Rob.

 

“We missed eight free-throws, could make a shot from the outside and we were a little disappointed with the defensive intensity. I think that Friday night (against Sheffield) took a little out of us.

 

“In the second half, we definitely picked it up with some pressure man-to-man defence. I think by the end of the game, we had them worn down.”

 

“In the second half, we dealt with their physicality and it turned out to be a comfortable win.”

 

The Riders coach also admitted his delight at some of his individual players’ contribution on the floor, with Barry Lamble, Jamell Anderson and John Griffin all playing their part alongside the likes of Cameron Rundles, Ayron Hardy and Drew Sullivan.

 

“I was really happy with Barry in the second half,” Paternostro told the Riders Official Website.

 

“I thought that he played tough. He’s been here with me for all four seasons and he knows what it takes. He’s got better and better every year and it’s a luxury for us to have a guy like that coming off the bench. In a back-to-back weekend like this, you need that depth.

 

“I thought that Jamell Anderson’s energy really lifted us. He came on and his defensive energy meant that he was everywhere as far as steals go. I don’t think that his numbers are going to jump off the page, but I felt that he was a major factor in that second half. 

 

“I’ve also been very happy with the way that John Griffin has settled in. I thought that in eighteen minutes on Friday night, he made an impact on the game and I thought that tonight he was aggressive defensively. We knew he could really shoot the ball and handle the ball, but we have been surprised at how active he is defensively. He’s a class player to bring off the bench. He’s a player that can turn a game around and we’re looking for him to get better and better.”

 

Despite Paternostro’s pleasure at picking up another win, he was full of praise for his opposite number on the Mersey Tigers bench.

 

“I think that all credit needs to go to Tony Garboletto and their team. They’re down in numbers, but they had a good plan in how to frustrate us and that is why I consider him to be one of the best coaches that the league has ever had. He has an ability no matter what.”