Taunton Tigers Men's team gained a fantastic win at home in National League division three on Sunday 12 February against Bognor Pirates. Showing their strength in depth, several players finished the game with double figure point tallies and head Coach Mathew Nolan was able to rotate a full squad of twelve players including four home debuts.
The most impressive debutant was Mark Schroeder who earned himself the most valuable player accolade. Kevin Anderson also showed his versatility making back-to-back three pointers and Joe Mills led the team defensively. Final score: Taunton Tigers 107 – 72 Bognor Pirates.
It was a different story when, a week later, the Tigers travelled to central London to take on the London Pioneers. With a number of players absent the Tigers travelled with a team of ten including junior Calum Pincombe who has become a regular member of the men's team this season.
After a long bus journey, Tigers started the game slowly and the Pioneers took full advantage—forcing turnovers and running in lay ups in the first two quarters. In the second half Tigers continued to struggle with possession, unable to get Harry Turner and Adam Rickwood, their two main scorers going on offense.
Although the Tigers managed a small fight back—led by Jordan Grindrod on the offence and Alex Boden on the defensive end—it was too little, too late. After the game the Tigers Team Manager Paul Carter summed up the match,
“We have a talented bunch of players but they never got going today, we hope for a big response next weekend and in training this week.”