Taunton Tigers injury problems continue having returned battered and bruised after a mauling by National Division 1 rivals Bristol Academy Flyers last weekend. After a promising start when Tigers flew away to a 5 point lead in the first two minutes, things rapidly deteriorated. The confidence that has been developing in recent weeks seemed to desert them in an arena that bore more resemblance to the ‘Grand Garden’ in Las Vegas last Sunday morning, than that of English Basketball in the top division.
The Flyers capitalised on some passive defence and needless turnovers by the Tigers to go on an unanswered 17 point run midway through the first quarter. Failure to control the ball in transition and inability to create good scoring opportunities resulted in the Tigers struggling to get back into the game.
The second quarter saw Tigers' Mike Sebire somehow end-up sprawled on the floor after a tussle under the basket with the Flyers' big American. The hand injury he sustained preventing him from taking no further part in the game.
Despite some determined offensive play by Richard Anderson (17 Points), who was ably supported by his brother Kevin (12 Points) and a useful contribution by rookie Adam Rickwood, the Tigers became frustrated and generally lost their focus. Whilst at times Taunton played with great spirit, it was the Bristol side that showed the greater intensity throughout the game. They also benefited from the significant height advantage of their 7′1″ professional American centre.
Following an alleged unsportsmanlike block, Tigers' Joe Andrews was fouled-off midway through the final quarter and shortly afterwards their situation was compounded further by mainstay Paul Yabsley (12 Points) retiring due to an elbow injury. The final 4 minutes saw the Flyers increase their lead by 10 points, running-out 99 – 75 winners.
After the game stand in Coach Rich Anderson commented,
“Playing in Bristol is always very intimidating, but we didn't do ourselves any favours by losing our focus and not maintaining the intensity we have shown in recent games. We know the areas that lost us the game. We need to work on these — especially when playing against athletic teams like the Flyers. Our bench rotation generally didn't work well and in the first quarter we should not have allowed them to get so far ahead. This really hurt us and we never really recovered.”
Despite last week's poor performance, head coach Ronnie Heath is optimistic about this Sunday's home encounter with one of the top teams in the country — Reading Rockets, who have so far only lost to League leaders Manchester Magic having beaten them in the National Trophy. He added,
“With experienced guard Matt Nolan (back after a 7 week layoff due to a foot injury) and last season's MVP Graham Jones both available for selection, I expect everyone to be on their toes for what promises to be a class game.”
A large crowd is expected for this last home game before Christmas at Wellsprings LC, so everyone is advised to get there early to ensure getting a seat. Tip off is at 3.30pm. This senior game will be preceded at 1pm by the Tigers juniors taking on their Rockets equivalents who are currently two places above them in the Premier South West Division of the Under 18 National League, so a keen contest is likely — the start of a great Christmas treat of men's Basketball.