Taunton turned around last week's 13 point loss away to London Leopards, into a 15 point win, in front of a near capacity crowd at Wellsprings. The victory keeps their hopes alive with a chance to qualify for the semi-finals of the Trophy which is a competition exclusively for Division 1 teams. Coach Ronnie Heath declared it the best performance yet but promised supporters that there is more to come.
“We won only 3 home games last year in our first season in the top-flight but with our home crowd behind us, our ever improving team will make it tough place for all visiting teams this season.”
Tigers had a poor start with the Leopards continuing their form from last week, opening up a 5 – 0 lead which they held for the rest of the quarter to finish with a 20 – 15 advantage. Significantly though Pervan, London's Croatian import, who had scored 38 points during the game the previous week, finished the quarter without a point. Heath had decided to switch his match-ups and play Graham Jones, his best defender head to head against him. The decision was totally vindicated with Pervan limited to just 9 points in the whole game.
Roared on by the famed wellsprings crowd, Tigers stepped up their game at both ends of the court in the 2nd quarter. Taunton dominated the period with a score of 32 – 10 which was remarkably the same score they had lost the quarter by last week. A long three pointer on the buzzer by Joe ‘Playboy’ Saunders must have felt like a dagger for the visitors who had to go into the half 47 – 30 down.
The 2nd half was a very even affair. Latham-Henry the lightening quick guard for London top scored for the visitors with 20 points and was backed up typically by the sharp shooting of Gareth Laws (17 points). But as with all of the best Tigers performances it was very much a team affair. Last weeks MVP and top scorer Paul Yabsley turned provider this week frequently finding the ever consistent Anderson Twins inside. Kevin and Richard finished with 15 points each but it was the younger talent of Adam Rickwood that came to the fore. Getting minutes only during the periods where starter Richard Anderson was resting, Adam scored 22 points and could have easily had more! He was pipped to the MVP award by the rejuvenated guard Ian Spearman. Heath paid tribute to his attitude.
“It is always a painful selection at the point-guard spot with 7 or 8 players capable of playing that position. Matt Nolan has been my number 1 there for a while but all the reserves have played well. I just felt that Ian is the one progressing the fastest in training and he is someone who supports the rest of his team-mates best.”
The Leopards frustrated with what they felt were inconsistent call by the referees began to lose discipline and pick-up technical fouls. Heath was quick to counter complaints after the game.
“The foul count was 19 to 14 in their favour. Once again at home we had the most fouls. We choose to rotate 12 players and share the work load and foul count. Teams who rotate less will always have individuals in foul trouble. I rested my best defender Jones when he picked up his 2nd foul, Jon Burnell (the long-term successful Leopards coach) knows his team well and choose to keep his best unit on the floor, but he understands the risk.”
The impressive win is very timely ahead of big games this weekend. Taunton will play against local rivals Bristol at Wellsprings on Saturday 18.00 for their first home league game of the season. Then on Sunday they travel to Plymouth to bid for a place in the last eight of the National Cup. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early on Saturday with a capacity crowd expected.