4:48pm Monday 27th October 2008
By James Thomson
National Basketball in association with Game Time & PrincipulPSD.com
Middlesbrough Lions produced a stunning first home game in front of over 100 fans at Eston Sports Academy Sunday gone. The visitors were Durham Wildcats as a last minute change in the scheduled National Founders Cup game due to be played against Westleigh Warriorz, who cancelled leaving the club with a frantic task of locating a replacement. Fortunately, the Wildcats accepted the invitation and although they sit 3 divisions higher than Lions it would provide a good indication of Middlesbrough’s current level.
With the spectators seated and the VIP guests including Gary Havelock and Rob Nichols settled into the exclusive VIP lounge the lights went out for the introduction of the Lions players through the tunnel of cheerleaders and a rapturous welcome from the home crowd. In what was the first game, the fans would not be disappointed if the initial entertainment was a signal of things to follow for the Middlesbrough club.
The game began well for Lions with Damian Warriner stealing the ball and securing the lay up. Wildcats were quick to respond though as Ian Hewitt hit a 3 pointer. In the second minute Daniel Cooper and captain Michael Wassell combined to add another 4pts and the Lions were beginning to look good with nice passing and good transition. Lions good start took a slight blow when Hewitt again knocked down a 3 pointer to level the scores 6-6 but they didn't falter and instead gathered momentum as they produced another 6-0 run. A brace of baskets from the impressive Warriner leading Lions into a 17-12 lead at the end of quarter.
During the team talks, Coach Elderkin's message brought the desired effect as his Wildcats produced a 7-0 run to give the visitors their first lead. Cooper halted the run with a 3 pointer in the sixth minute but Hewitt was again on hand to hit two consecutive 3 pointers and extend the lead to 5pts. A battling period from Wassell galvanised the Lions in the eighth minute although he would miss both free throws after being fouled. The big man would make amends soon after with a powerful drive. This second quarter would prove a costly one for the home team with defence at times sloppy and Wildcats capitalising on any mistake the Lions made. In the ninth minute Plosser would round off a good spell for the visitors as he produced an And 1 play and then hit a 3 pointer to finish the half 6pts in front for Wildcats, 26-32.
During the break, entertainment was provided by Principul as well as the cheerleaders.
The third quarter was a much better display for the Lions with the energetic Warriner a constant thorn in the side of Wildcats as he hustled for every lose ball. The passion on display from Warriner lifted the Lions as he made two fast breaks. Cooper then followed up with a 3 pointer to bring Lions within 1pt of Wildcats, 35-36, an exciting game with the fans on the edge of their seat. Wildcats depth was proving a real problem for the home team as Haar stepped up with a sailing 3 pointer to instigate a 13-3 run, Lee Woolams with the only response from Lions, albeit a great play between him and Ben Robinson.
At the start of the final quarter Lions were 11 down, 38-49. Woolams made the first shot with a good low post shot. The link play between Woolams and Robinson looking impressive. With five minutes remaining Lions again stepped up a gear with Damian Warriner again at the centre of proceedings. By the ninth minute Robinson brought the Lions to within 4pts, but a clumsy foul by Woolams at the other end provided Harris with an And 1 pay with which he converted the free throw to take a 5pt victory 54-59.
After the game Lions Coach Sid Nicholls was upbeat about the performance, adding “To play an established National League side with good players in every department was going to be a difficult task for any new team and I couldn't have asked for much more from the players. I am actually very pleased, despite the loss which is not something you will hear me say very often."
It is not very often, a player from the losing side will be awarded the MVP (most valuable player) but in this game, there was one player who demanded attention. Lions Damian Warriner was awarded the MVP with 17pts & 9 steals, 1 steal shy of a double-double. Ian Hewitt was the main contender for the Wildcats with 16pts & 3. On receiving the award Warriner said "It’s nice to be recognised, but it hurts that we didn't get the win, we came close, but hopefully the fans were happy with what they saw and will come back and cheer us on to victory on 16th November."
In summary of the game, Lions stats would provide better reading in most categories but it was a case of missed baskets and poor free throw shooting (6 of 13) that would decide the game. Still there was an air of optimism as Lions coach James Thomson said "If we can produce a performance such as that against the teams in our competition we will do ourselves and the area proud."
For game stats and photos visit www.game-time.co.uk Lions will host American Airbase, Menwith Hill in their next home fixture, at Eston Sports Academy on Sunday 16th November, 4pm Tip. Half price vouchers are available throughout the season from Game Time online and tickets can be purchased in advance from Eston Sports Academy 01642 452488.
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