Taunton Tigers predictably tamed their West Country colleagues in a one-sided National Cup Round 2 game to earn another South West match up against Division 2 side Plymouth Raiders II.
Cornwall Cougars a fast improving National Division 4 side had caused the biggest upset of Round 1 of the competition by edging their game against Division 2 Tamar Cannons. Whilst the Tigers are still adjusting to life in Division 1 the gulf in class was clear right from the start. The Cougars camped around their own basket largely as a damage limitation exercise but Joe Andrews (15 points) and Ian Spearman (13 points) burst open the zone defence by raining 3-pointers right from the start.
When the visitors switched to man to man Tigers were able to get to the basket instead for easy scores on their way to a 25 – 6 lead by the end of the quarter. With squad players hungry for court time there was no relenting by Taunton as they raced away to a massive 50 – 24 lead by the half. Tigers coaching staff had chosen to rest experienced key players ahead of home and away fixtures against the impressive London Leopards. Graham Jones, Kevin Anderson and Matt Nolan were among those cheering on the rest of the deep squad, a luxury very few teams in country can enjoy.
Damian Puncevic making his debut for the season was amongst those making good use of their opportunities. Guard Ian Spearman too had a strong game and will give Head Coach Ronnie Heath selection headaches with five other point guards in good form and fitness at present.
“We felt the point guard spot might be a weakness for us this year but competition for places has accelerated development for the whole group. I really couldn't tell you my best 2 guards at present but it's a nice problem to have!”
Cornwall earned a lot of respect for staying focused throughout never looking like giving up but by the second half points were raining in from all angles with Alistair Bird (20 points) leading the torture by continuing to drain 3-pointers every time the Cougars tried to help each other near their basket. The popular forward deserved his MVP award and will sip his champagne in the knowledge he is still improving all aspects of the game.
Heath praised the efforts of Cornwall but quickly turned his attention to the next two weeks when they play London Leopards away first and then at home the following week. Their last encounter was decided in the last second of the game with Tigers hearts broken, but Heath thinks it was a clear sign that they have closed the gap on one of the best teams in the league.
“They are similar to us in that they are packed with loads of young talent. They have previously had the edge in experience but we are fast catching up in that area and certainly will start both games knowing we can win if we play well. We lost by 2-points last time around despite our worst ever shooting from distance so we know we will get better.”