Taunton Tigers long overdue debut in the West 1 division of the RAF U15 national basketball league ended with a decisive 96 to 36 victory for the Taunton based side over Dorset Storm. On paper this fixture threatened to be a difficult first hurdle; Taunton were below full strength and the more experienced team from Poole were undefeated this season.
Dorset took an early lead and by the end of the second minute coach Carter was forced to make changes when Sean Clifford, Tauntons most experienced playmaker received his second personal foul. Captain George Freeman then settled his side and the young players started to perform with composure. Tigers' set plays forced a ten point scoring run, which enabled the boys to finish the first quarter with a 24 to 14 point lead.
The second quarter saw the Tigers launch a pattern of play whereby the big men, George Williams, Pip Andersen and Scott Speed dominated under both hoops. Dorset struggled to counter the threat and in their confusion allowed the reintroduced Sean Clifford far too much room down the middle. He took full advantage, scoring a quick fire, 9 points and providing 6 assists for the forwards.
Tigers started the second half with a 58 to 25 point lead. Whether it was over confidence or just a lack of concentration the first half of the quarter saw them lose their formation and dominance. Coach Carter used his time-outs wisely to remind his charges of their responsibilities. They responded well and the familiar pattern of the big post men taking control was re-established. Tigers rallied to take the period 16 points to 9, an overall lead of 74 – 34.
In the fourth quarter Taunton played some thrilling basketball with George Scarborough exciting the noisy crowd with his stylish moves. Guards, Steve Salter and Harry Elliot played with authority and the away team's scoring was restricted to a meagre 2 points from the free throw line. It was only fatigue that stopped the Tigers reaching 100 points. Even so it was a score line that Gary Carter was very pleased with,
“It was an excellent team performance. There are a number of aspects of the game that we will have to address in training but overall the boys should be very proud.”
Scoreres: Sean Clifford 22, Scott Speed 15, Pip Andersen 15, George Scarborough 12, George Williams 12, George Freeman 6, Joe Randall 4, Harry Elliot 4, Steve Salter 2, Ed Surtees 2, Gareth Bradley 2, Ross Bradley.