Taunton Tigers Women had another great result when they entertained Bristol Storm on their return to league action at their Wellsprings lair. These 2 teams have now met 4 times this season and Storm are the only 2nd Division side to beat Tigers, when they sneaked a close fought game in the National Trophy. For their part, Tigers Women are now one of only 4 womens sides in English Basketballs National Leagues to retain a 100 percent winning record, and they have retained their place as undefeated leaders of National League Division 2.
Storm travelled light for this encounter, with only six players on the bench as the game got underway, but were augmented as the game progressed. That said, Storms 3rd place position in the league has been well-earned and their normal starting five were all present to pose a real threat to Tigers. Tigers started in a confident fashion and soon had early points on the board, however, finishing left a deal to be desired as chances went begging. Uncharacteristic lack of defensive intensity allowed storm to steal a march on Tigers as they crept into an early 12 – 6 lead, before a brace of 3 point shots from Milly Watkins, and a pair of jumpers from Nicky Hartston and Abby Pow, restored some parity as Storm took the quarter 16 – 14.
A long range score and a fine lay up by Laura Dyke, and two smooth long range shots from Hannah Watkins began to lift the game from Storm, and started to free up space for Milly Watkins to power to the basket within increasing regularity. Storm were visibly becoming concerned, particularly as the ever-dangerous Ravn was forced to the bench after picking up 3 early fouls, leaving Fox as the principal inside threat to Tigers. Tigers continued to press home their advantage and went into half-time leading 31 – 26.
Tigers started the 3rd quarter with a great deal of purpose, and soon had the score-board ticking along nicely as point guards Jenny Ridgway and Hannah Byrne orchestrated a succession of defensive traps and fast breaks and both picked up a succession of valuable scores driving to the basket and from range to take Tigers into the final quarter leading comfortably 52 – 39
It was an eager Tigers team which took to the floor for the last quarter. As so often happens, points dried up for both sides as balls circled the rim and failed to drop, but some great defensive work by Elly Leader and a final surge of scoring led by Emily Farthing gave 14 unanswered points by Tigers, who took the game 70 – 47, by far their biggest winning margin for some time against the ever improving Storm side.
Coach Steve Green was delighted with the girls performance,
“Storm always present a real threat to our team, and we so often seem to cancel out each other's best efforts, however, the girls success today is a fantastic testimony to their dedication and teamwork, both on and off the court. I'm really proud at their level of performance and their improved finishing. They are doing themselves proud.”