Tigers started their season campaign away to Bristol without two key players, George Scarborough (on South West duty) and Sam Hardy who hurt his ankle in training. The team were also without their influential team manager Francis ‘Big Time’ Scarborough so veteran team manager PJ Carter stepped in. The team needed a good start but after going down 10 points to 2 after three minutes, Coach Carter called a time out to remind his charges of their responsibilities. The team responded by going on a 10 – 0 run. This was led by excellent team defence and clinical finishing by George ‘Geo’ Williams.
The second quarter started the same way as the first finished, but with a lapse in concentration at both ends Bristol went on their own scoring spree with the score at half time 43 – 31 to Tigers. In the second half, Tigers upped their defence once more with Joe Randall and Scott Speed cashing in on lay ups. Guards, Sean Clifford, George Freeman and Ed Surtees dictated the pace of the game and ensured the offence ran smoothly.
Pip Anderson and Nick Gratton were able to come on and clean up on the boards, especially on the defensive end and with debutants, Ed Mortimore Jack Murphy and Ben Richards showing that they are more than capable at this level. Overall an excellent performance with the Tigers running away comfortable winners 82 – 66.