National League Basketball in association with TADEA; Sustainable Energy Solutions & Heaven Scent; Yankee Candles Middlesbrough

Old Houghtonians 101-117 TADEA Middlesbrough Lions
Newcastle Eagles II 63-79 TADEA Middlesbrough Lions
TADEA Middlesbrough Lions 94-86 Liverpool
The injury nightmare would deepen for TADEA Middlesbrough Lions last weekend as they embarked on a marathon three games in three days. Lions would lose Matt Taylor after surgery on two broken fingers, then leading scorer; Tom Robinson to a twisted ankle during Fridays Durham League County Cup quarter final, American DaWaun Wells twisted his ankle in the first quarter against Liverpool on Sunday and James Thomson and Ryon Dixon had to play through injury, both players giving good displays.

On Friday all signs were indicating a good weekend for Lions as they began the first quarter on fire with a massive 41-24 against Old Houghtonians, a team that has been unbeaten for over two years! Robinson would go down in the second quarter but a John Ford inspired second half would ensure a strong 117-101 win.

After that tiring win TADEA Lions travelled to Newcastle for their National League fixture. Despite the injuries, the two games against bottom Newcastle and second bottom Liverpool were not allowed to be lost and John Ford and DaWaun Wells were again on top form at Westgate Centre for Sport.

The Lions started well with Wells hitting the first 7pts followed by Ford and Ben Thompson stretching the lead to 3-11 after a 3-pointer from Tom Hutchinson. The Eagles though would begin to soar as they produced a 16-3 run inspired by Dickon Morrison and Hutchinson. Good ball movement from Ben Thompson would keep the Eagles defence on their toes and a brace of baskets from Rob Wright would bring Lions back into the game, 1pt behind after the first quarter 19-18.

The second period was a low scoring affair with Wells struggling to find his rhythm and earning a rest. John Ford would step up and provide 5pts in the last four minutes to take a slender 30-31 lead at half time.

Middlesbrough would provide a productive and impressive third quarter as they outscored the hosts 32-14. 14pts from Wells and 11pts from the seemingly unstoppable Ford would propel Lions into a comfortable margin. Rob Wright was also looking back to his usual self after a two week virus, adding five points and a collection of rebounds. The dominant attacking from Lions had built a 19pt lead heading into the final quarter, 44-63.

A couple of errors from Middlesbrough would gift a few baskets to the Eagles, a silly foul in particular in the third minute giving the home side a boost. Hutchinson would add a 3-pointer, his fourth of the afternoon and then a 9-0 run would reduce the Lions lead to just 7pts to scare Lions into a time out. DaWaun Wells would go to the line and convert both free throws after being fouled on the drive and with Newcastle now in foul trouble the game slipped away as James Thomson, Wright and Wells rounded the match off with free throws to finish the game 16pt winners.