BLUE Devils continued to find the physicality of under-18 conference basketball a real problem against Barrow Thorns in National League North West.

Most of the squad are at the younger end of the age group and are finding it hard to score against stronger and taller opponents who are intimidating them into making mistakes.

The Blue Devils got off to a poor start and were 10-0 down before scoring their first basket after five minutes of the quarter. The lack of scoring ability continued and Blue Devils failed to score again and lost the quarter 19-2. The misery continued in the second quarter with Blue Devils lacking any confidence offensively and only two separate free throws were added to their tally to leave the half time at 35-4 to Barrow.

At half time coach Stainton gave the Blue Devils the target of hitting 25 points by the end of the game, which was a tough ask from a team who had only been able to score two baskets in 20 minutes.

To their credit the players responded and a tough zone defence and Henry Powell, Sam Nolan Massey and Matt Taylor beginning to find their confidence offensively, the Blue Devils only lost the third quarter by one point, 13-12. The Blue Devils, spurred on by their target, did exceed their target - scoring 15 points - but still lost out to Barrow, who made 19 by the end of the period.

Blue Devils are at home to Liverpool at Holy Cross College on Saturday. Tip off 12 noon.