Teesside Basketball League

Thirsk Vikings romped home against a young Middlesbrough College side, recording a 93-35 points win, only their second league success of the season.

The improving Vikings on their home court made an impressive start, hitting 32 points in the opening quarter as the College could only manage a single basket and that a deflection from a Vikings defender. The home side cooled in the second quarter, scoring only 21 points, letting the visitors back into the game but a handsome half time 55-20 reflected their dominating play. Thirsk kept up the pressure in the remaining quarters with Moray Finch effective inside and Craig Wakefield with his outside shooting accumulated a games score of 29 points. The college side found the going tough, only John Roberts hitting double figures.

Darlington Devils had too much artillery against the visiting East Cleveland Ruins and quickly raced into a first quarter lead of 22 points to 10 as Aaron Hope was the main thorn in the Ruins defence with his accurate outside shots. Devils moved sweetly into a 46-24 lead at the break as the visitors competed well with Mal Colmer and Gordon Barnes keeping their score ticking over but the Devils bench strength told in the end as they ran out comfortable winners by 100- 40. Hope was the game's top scorer with 30 points.

Norton seconds hosted the more established Tigers and kept them at bay through the first quarter but fell to a final flurry of four baskets without reply, including a three pointer from Steve Appleyard, to go behind 21-15. After a bright start Norton were never in the hunt as Chris Ellis worked hard for his side and hit 26 points against a much bigger side. Tigers as usual relied on the height and inside play of Lee Woolams and Steve Cowell who dominated the boards giving their side a comfortable win, 83-48. Woolams with 34 points was assisted by Cowell on 22 and Dave Murphy 13.

A difficult season for Yarm Conyers coninued when they entertained Marske Mariners. An even opening was followed by a spell where Mariners scored at will to lead 59-46 at the half-way point. As they fought to get back into the game in the second period they lost three players in foul trouble, which signalled the end for the home side. Mariners with Paul Neesam fast breaking to good effect and Edwin Swain playing good support forged ahead to win 86-69. Neesam finished the game with 32 points.

In the fourth round of the Junior Girls Tournament, LJS Guisborough strolled to their fourth successive win against a luckless but plucky Brierton side as Sally Brown scored 28 points, well supported by Karen Wright with 20. Nunthorpe ran out 33-12 winners over Norton.

St Patrick's A came close to defeating Marske Mermaids but 12 points from S Brand was enough to help the East Cleveland side to a 38-24 win. A much-improving Egglescliffe side gave St Patrick's B a good run for their money before going down 36-16 as H Humphrey scored 20 points for the winners