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Middlesbrough Lions qualified for the knock out stages after beating fellow contenders Darfield from Barnsley 77-61 Before the game the scenario was simple, Lions needed to win by thirteen points or more to progress, anything less would see them knocked out of this years tournament and they were aided not only by the loud crowd but by some energetic cheerleaders from Stockton Parent Support and DJ Principul along with sound effects and a commentator which all together produced a phenomenal atmosphere enjoyed by all.

The game started at a fast pace with Steve Butler being fouled by Darfield's Mark Sawyer shortly after the tip off. The Barnsley outfit opened the scoring with big man Jamie Loftus but Lions edged themselves in front with two quick baskets from Damian Warriner, unfortunately Warriner was quickly replaced after picking up two early fouls. The Darfield defence was caught cold several times as the experienced Butler intercepted and scored with ease, which edged the home side into a comfortable 14-7 lead.

Lions kept the visitors offensive unit to long range shooting with tight determined defending and a high work rate on and off the ball. The Middlesbrough based side then stretched the lead to ten points with baskets from Bryson, Dixon and Woolams but in the final seconds of the quarter the visitors pegged the score back to 19-11 after a strong display from Jamie Loftus.

The second session was a carbon copy of the first with Lions dominating long periods and only Kyle Stylan for Darfield troubling the Lions defence around the basket. Darfield then suffered a major set back when Jamie Loftus had to leave the court with a cut right hand. Loftus was the leading scorer for the visitors and the visitors would be keen to have him taped up and back into the game. In his absence, Butler sank the first three pointer of the game and also give Warriner space to drive through the back pedalling defence. Thomson added a nice shot and a lay up at the mid way point to maintain the 10pt cushion after Stylan hit a nice jump shot over Lee Woolams, but Middlesbrough struggled to reach the magic 13pt mark required to progress. With two minutes remaining in the half Clayton made a rare fast break with Lions failing to get back on defence and in the next play, after another fast break was halted by a Mark Finmore foul, Mark Sawyer converted both attempts. Lions replied with Warriner and Butler but two missed free throws from Lyle would keep the half time score at 38-27 and although comfortable leaders, Lions still had a bit more to do.

The large crowd at half time were entertained with a performance by Hip Hop performer; Principul who sung his version of Mario's hit "You should let me love you" and then a luck member of the crowd had his ticket picked to shoot a half court shot for a chance to win £50.

Lions slept in after the break and left Jez Lonsdale wide open as he converted for the visitors within seconds of the restart. Ryan Dixon hit back immediately for the Lions with a big three to provide the crowd with something to cheer for and Butler again weaved his way through a static defence to complete an And 1 play after being fouled by Swindell. Darfield where on the back foot and struggled when coach Terry Lewis was forced to withdraw their captain after he picked up his fourth foul. The Yorkshire club then missed a series of easy lay ups and only a very late revival from Stylan, Sawyer and Williams kept the visitors in the game as the third quarter ended 56-47 to the Lions.

In an incident packed fourth quarter the visitors began the stronger with seven quick points including a big three pointer from Joe Williams which closed the game to within three points, to provide some serious concern for the Lions for what was the first time in the game. The home crowd responded well though as they upped the volume and in the fifth minute produced a 12-2 run instigated by Rob Bryson who was in athletic stride as he glided to the basket to pick up a rebound after a Thomson missed lay up. The crucial run was finished with two sailing threes from Ryon Dixon which sent the large partisan crowd into roars of cheers. Warriner was then re-introduced to the game for the final four minutes to provide energetic defence as the Lions pressed the visitors into near submission. Darfield would score only two more points in these four minutes, both from free throws converted in the final minute by Sawyer. Lions though had a number of opportunities to extend their lead further still as five players went to the foul line to hit a poor 6 of 12 attempts, after Darfield were left needing to foul to stop the clock. Darfield then let their tempers slip, a result of frustration which boiled over with a heated exchange between Darfield coach Lees and Jamie Loftus, leading to a number of technical fouls being awarded by the referees. Aside of the poor 50% free throw shooting the defence in the remaining four minutes was smothering and ensure Lions won the game by 16pts.

After the game Lions coach; James Thomson said "we were comfortable leading by ten points throughout the game but struggled to extend to the magic thirteen we needed to progress into the final sixteen. With four minutes remaining, it all changed and we showed great character as a team to pull off a the 16 point win. We had a big crowd today which had a major influence on the game.

Lions will now play away to the winners of the Midlands group; Kings Lynn Ironwolf on either 14th or 15th February. If the Lions can win this game they will progress into the quarter final of the competition.