Much fancied London United suffered a shock defeat on Sunday at the hands of Hull in only there second loss of the season in Division One of the National League.

London had not played a competitive match since before Christmas due to a glitch in the match programming and they paid for the lack of match practice.

From the start it looked promising for London as they took an early lead through 3 successive three pointers from Steve Vear although very quickly Hulls import American Pegler replied with the same. London took a slender lead of 25-22 into the second quarter as the game looked like it would be close. The ball never seemed to break for London as the bigger Hull team battled for everything.

The teams went in level 45-45 at the half with Pegler and Seamarks doing the damage for Hull and Steve Vear and Pete Deppisch scored freely for London.

As the game recommenced Hull outscored London by ten clear points without reply as the Londoners appeared to lack the fighting spirit they have shown before the New Years break.

The third ended with Hull leading by 10 at 73-63.

The fourth started very badly for London as they went 23 points behind and Hull were playing some very good basketball scoring at will.

London managed to pull back to 12 points with Walid Mumuni and Steve Vear scoring on the break as Pete Deppisch and Tom Hull had been fouled out.

The game ended with a much deserved Hull victory at 107-95 with the London United coaches Majewski and Schiller scratching their heads over this one.

London have a very talented young team and Hull coach Kevin Penny said that the result was a one off however with such high percentage shooting from Pegler and Seamarks they may do other teams some damage this season.

Top scorers for London United were Vear 28, Mumuni 23 and Deppisch 16.

London United face local rivals Westminster at Brunel University Uxbridge on Saturday the 1st February tip at 6pm

London team : Hockey, Deppisch , Mumuni , Hull , Vear, Odulaja , Jacobs,

Burrell, Maitland

Coaches Majewski and Schiller.

January 28, 2003 11:00