Match Report: Taunton Tigers Under 14 Boys Team — 14 November 2009

Taunton Tigers vs Bristol Academy Flyers


In the second match in the three team fixture, Tigers faced smaller, but skilful and well-drilled opposition in the Flyers. Although Hinchliffe led the way magnificently with 30 points, this was an impressive all-round team display from a Taunton side which executed the coaches' game-plan intelligently.

Tigers were alert from the start, with Hood collecting the ball straight from the tip-off and driving to the basket for an uncontested lay-up. Having taken this lead, they never fell behind in the match. More first quarter points came from Hayes, Hinchliffe, and Penny before Burke-Ward rounded the period off excellently with an assured basket from distance. With everyone getting plenty of court time, Tigers' energetic defence restricted Bristol's scoring chances and the game stood at 14 – 6 at the first break.

That lead was stretched to 23 – 8 midway through the second quarter before the Flyers bounced back and went on a 9 – 0 run. Again, though, it was the Tigers who finished the quarter in style, this time with long 2 pointer from Grenfell. Taunton were 25 – 15 up at the half.

In the second half Hayes set the offensive tempo well, and Hinchliffe was a constant threat around the Bristol basket. Defensive intensity fell a little bit, though, and coaches Carter and Nolan called a time-out midway through the third quarter to re-focus minds. When the game restarted MacIntyre's tireless running throughout was rewarded as he got on the score sheet.

Tigers led 42 – 29 at the end of the period, and then closed the game out well in the fourth quarter. The highlight of that final quarter was a towering 3 point shot from Burke-Ward who took his total to 7.

After the match Gary Carter and Matt Nolan were delighted with team's work. Carter reflected on how it had been difficult to set aims at the start of the day,

“We didn't know what to expect overall, what the standard would be like, or how the boys would perform in their first National League tournament. In the end they performed well above expectations and, as coaches, Matt and I are really proud of them.”

Final Score: Taunton Tigers 55 – 38 Bristol Academy Flyers