Tigers women completed a fantastic weekend of basketball which saw them secure 4 valuable points in 2 tense wins against hands on London Westside and Reading Rockets. Following their exciting one point win against Westside on Saturday, Tigers travelled to Reading on Sunday with only 7 fit players expecting a tough game.
From the outset it was apparent that the Tigers would have to play with the same intensity and determination at both ends of the court to take anything from the game. Reading started at a cracking pace and shook the Tigers with 2 easy lay-ups to secure an early 4 point lead. Tigers soon turned the tables as their organised motion offence started to provide better looks at the basket and some well earned points. Coach John Abbott judicious rotation of his limited resources also allowed the Tigers to maintain high intensity defence to secure early steals and to accumulate points through their trademark fast break. All the players were making massive contributions to the game, however captain Hannah Watkins was dominating and securing the boards at both ends of the court and this dominance enabled guards Nicky Hartston and Jenny Ridgway to both score 3 point shots and some real put backs. Tigers entered the half time break leading comfortably 28 – 12.
The 3rd quarter saw a new intensity in the Reading Rockets game. As is often the way as Reading's shots started to drop, Tigers started to dry up as tiredness, and the effect of a limited bench started to kick in. Foul trouble meant that the court time for Tigers bigger players, Laura Dyke and Sophie Keen, became increasingly restricted for the quarter, allowing more space for the Rockets inside and making it evident to the Tigers how valuable these 2 players are for the team.
Further Reading intensity in the 4th quarter increased pressure on the Tigers, forcing fundamental errors and turnovers at crucial times. Composure was regained late in the game as guards Aimee Brook and Abby Pow controlled the pace of the final minutes to allow the Tigers to run out worthy winners at 49 – 44.
Reflecting on the weekend, Manager Jim Hartston comments,
“This is a massive uplift for the team who have shown that they can be a real threat at National League level. It's going to be an interesting season.”
Tigers Women's next home game is Saturday 14th October at Richard Huish College — Tip-off 16:45.