SWINDON Shock player-coach David Colclough claims his players called upon last season’s experience to overcome Richmond Knights 83-75 in the Men’s National Shield.

New signing Ed Potter led the scoring with 29 points but was supported well by Antonio Wilburn who got 23, while Matt Ford came in with 12.

The Shock win is their second in a week after they beat Dorset Storm 99-69 the previous weekend.

After a strong start, Shock were pulled back into the game after a rally from the Knights in the second and third quarter. However, a late rush from Swindon in the final quarter saw them over the line.

“We were so shorthanded for the game, we were thinking it would be really difficult for us with just seven players,” said Colclough.

“It turned out to be better for us. They brought their full squad and I think when you bring too many players, you try to get everyone involved.

“We took advantage of their substitutions and managed the clock. The experience we had from playing shorthanded really helped us.

“They got back into the game after they used a full-court press. It took it’s toll but I told the players to relax because they had been there before.

“This time last year we would have lost that game, so I told them to calm down. Then Antonio hit a huge three and Ed got back-to-back baskets so you could see all the momentum sucked out of them.

“That killed the game for them. They were loud when they arrived and the got a really nice dunk at the start of the game.

“I just tried to get the guys to stay composed, then after a couple of our shots went in you could see it sucked the life out of them.”

After the arrival of Potter from Reading during the summer, Colclough says he knew they had a player on their hands from the get-go.

“We knew he was a different kettle of fish. The moment he walked into the gym you just knew,” he said.

“From day one he matched himself by guarding Antonio, it is really good competition between those two and when you have that other player, it’s perfect..”

Shock face Cardiff Met Archers in their first National League Division Three South fixture of the season next week at New College (2.15pm tip).