10:57am Monday 24th November 2008
National Basketball in association with Game Time
Middlesbrough Lions endured a torrid time in North Wales with only 7 players able to travel including only 1 centre, arriving late due to traffic delays on M62 and to top of their preparations for the clubs first National Founders Cup game, the home side dealt a hefty blow in the first half and although the Lions actually won the second half, the game was decided mid way through the first quarter.
Lions main problem was their lack of height with Lee Woolams the only genuine centre at 6’8” and Michael Wassell at 6’2” providing the physical presence inside which was overshadowed by a big and powerful Holyhead side. The Celts were in the faces of the weary Lions from the beginning and the aggressive nature of the home team unsettled Lions both on offense and defence.
Celts captain Neil Williams opened the scoring at the NEWI with a sleek drive to the basket followed by two strong moves in the low post by Adam Williams. By the fourth minute Lions were still to score and becoming frustrated. A time out was called by Coach James Thomson and the pep talk encouraged a marked improvement in Lions play as they produced a 7-0 run to take the lead, Ryon Dixon’s 3 pointer forcing Celts Tony Roberts to call a time out. With four minutes left in the 1st quarter, the Celts produced a body blow with a 17-2 run to take the score to 23-9. Ben Lewis proved a crucial figure adding 8pts.
The second quarter was important for Lions to regain some composure but the aggressive style of the home team was taming the Lions into submission and although Ryon Dixon secured another 3 pointer in the first minute, this was replied with a 3 from Sion Parry followed by two 3’s from Adam Williams. Lee Woolams made his first basket in the sixth minute but there was no support for him in the paint and he would continue to struggle. At the end of the half Lions were down 30pts, 21-51.
Daniel Cooper started well for Lions in the third quarter and after being non existent in the first half brought some respite for the visitors after converting two free throws and hitting a 3 pointer. James Thomson was then fouled on the shot and went to the line to miss both attempts, although he would make amends by hitting the next four. With the referees now calling a lot of the fouls on Celts, the momentum was beginning to shift and Lions for the first time began to take the game to their opponents, who were becoming increasingly frustrated as they notched up the fouls. A good display instilled some confidence into the Lions but to pull back 15 baskets without reply would be a mammoth task. Lions only lost this quarter by 1pt, 14-13 and were now matching the hosts even with their lack of height but the 65-34 score remained a comfortable lead for Holyhead.
Damian Warriner, who had crept into foul trouble was back in the game for the final quarter and his tenacious defence provided an immediate impact. Lions looked the hungrier side in the second half and they were giving one last surge to take back some pride. In the sixth minute Thomson found Wassell open under the basket and shortly after Wassell sailed in a 3 pointer, 3 welcome points for Lions but Wassell playing out of position was increasing the strain on Woolams inside the key. Thomson would add another of his 4 assists in the final play of the game as he found Warriner cutting to the hoop. Lions would win this period 18-22 but unfortunately the result was still a 27pt victory for Holyhead Celts.
The MVP was awarded to Adam Williams who was in superb form with 40pts, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals & 2 blocks. A truly all star performance from the big no. 9 although brother Neil Williams and Peter Barry were also in top gear.
Critics could question the overly aggressive style adopted by the Celts and to be fair the referees clamped down on this in the second half but by then the damage was already done. The Welsh side played to their strengths but player/coach Neil Williams was les than impressed with the number of fouls his side gave away which included 3 technical's for dissent. On the second half display it will be interesting to see the return fixture at Eston Sports Academy on Dec 21st when Lions will hope to display a full squad. Middlesbrough accepted the defeat for what it was, being soundly beaten by a better team, but the Lions can take consolation from a spirited second half in which they actually outscored their hosts 32-35 and will hopefully learn from their mistakes of the first.
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