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Richmond Vikings B 52-54 Tees United Lions B (OT)

There was injury woe for both sides entering the game with Lions’ Matthew Brown and Vikings Ashley Farrelly, their teams’ respective top scorers unable to feature.

Mark Williams exploded into the game for Vikings with 9 points, captain Ian Donoghue hitting the following shot with only Matthew Norman replying for Lions. In the sixth minute Vikings began to stumble as they entered into foul trouble, providing Lions with 8 free throw attempts in the following four minutes. Michael Peddie and Chris Tappenden were on target with their shots and Adam Walsh hit the final shot for Lions to bring the game back to 13-11 although a strong finish from Vikings in the final 30 seconds brought another 4 points from Jack Meredith and player/coach Jaycie Hall.

In the second quarter both teams traded baskets with Hall, Lamb and a big 3 pointer from John Ford finding the mark for Vikings whilst Lions ‘little and large’ duo; Michael Peddie and Matthew Norman retaliated, Peddie in free scoring flow with 9 points and Chris Tappenden claiming a crucial last second shot of the half to give Lions a sense of hope, even though they were down 4 points to the deserved leaders, Richmond, 30-26.

The third quarter was an astonishing period as Lions only managed to score 11 points and even more amazingly the Vikings only managed 4. The terrific defence on show from both sides was mesmerising with only three players finding the net. Dominic Lamb hit a jump shot in the second minute for Vikings followed by a powerful lay up from team mate Nick Norris in the fourth minute. For Lions, only Tappenden scored, but his superb display of 11 points managed to tie the game 34-34 in the fifth minute and then after an absence of scoring for 4 minutes and 39 seconds Tappenden gave Lions the lead with a 3 pointer. The timing and manner of the shot was a devastating blow for home team and an inspirational lift for the visitors as the third quarter finished 34-37.

In the second minute of the fourth quarter, Tappenden was fouled by Vikings Hall and went to the line, although unable to convert his attempts. Marek Paska then used his diminutive size to his advantage as he weaved through Lions defence to complete a great solo move and reduce the deficit to 1 point. In the fifth minute Lions Peddie drove and rose toward the basket for a cool finish and then went to the line after being fouled on his following move, converting 1 of 2 free shots to take a 4 point lead, 36-40.

Jaycie Hall then galvanised his troops with an And 1 play and although missed the bonus shot Donoghue grabbed the rebound and was fouled by Patterson as he retuned to the hoop. Donoghue made 1 of 2 and at the other end Matthew Norman turned and shot a lovely jumper to keep Lions noses just in front. In the seventh minute Lions were dealt a blow as big man, Chris Tappenden was fouled out, shortly after the high scoring Mark Williams fouled out for Vikings. Jaycie Hall kept the momentum swinging Vikings way as he hit 3 of 4 free throws to bring the Vikings within 2 points, 42-44. Meredith then continued with Richmond’s revival to tie the game and when Ford hit a baseline jumper with 23 second on the clock, it seemed destined for a Vikings win. Lions though found Peddie who weaved his magic through a Vikings crowd and was fouled, resulting in 2 free throws, which he made to tie the scorers 46-46 and take the game into overtime.

With both teams emotionally shattered, Jaycie Hall made his final contribution of the game with an early shot before being fouled out. Brittany Krimsky then produced a nice fake and was then fouled as she went up for her shot. Krimsky converted both free throws to re-tie the game. Marshall Patterson of Lions was next to go with Norris making 1 of 2 free throws from the preceding foul to move Vikings into a 1 point lead. In the final minute of overtime Vikings were 2 points ahead, 52-50 before Krimsky stepped up with a wonderful floating shot that glided into the basket followed by the game winning shot from Michael Peddie, earning the Lions a 2 point win in an emotional rollercoaster of a game for both teams. As much as Lions deserved their win, Vikings were equal to the claim and will be devastated to lose a game that was so close to their grasp. In a game where there can only be a winner, both teams will walk away with heads held high after such an entertaining and passionate display.

The MVP could have been awarded to any number of players with the experienced Jaycie Hall and Chris Tappenden giving good accounts, especially the third quarter display by Tappenden. Mark Williams’s explosive start set the Vikings on the right path and Brittany Krimsky effectively won the game for Lions with her late 6 point run. The contribution of Lions Michael Peddie, though, including his two free throws to take the game into overtime and his final shot to win the game earned him the award and status of hero.

 

Teams   Lions Vikings 3 10 14 15 17 27 30 32 34 50 99 Michael Peddie* Philip Findlay Marshall Patterson* Adam Walsh* Btittany Krimsky Cherrydan Gouldthorp Lizzy Walsh Matthew Norman* Stephanie Edwards Chris Chapman* Chris Tappenden 1 3 4 5 6 8 10 20 34   Colin Todd Marek Paska* Jack Meredith Dominic Lamb* Mark Williams* John Ford Jaycie Hall Ian Donoghue* Nick Norris* Coach: James Thomson Asst Coach: Captain: Adam Walsh Coach: Jaycie hall Asst Coach: Captain: Ian Donoghue * starting players   Referees Albert Lloyd & Brian Mushonga

MVP Michael Peddie weighs up his options against Richmond

Game MVP: Michael Peddie   Top Scorers   Vikings: Hall 15, Williams 9, Meredith 6, Ford 5, Norris 5, Donoghue 4, Lamb 4, Pusaka 4   Lions: Peddie 22, Tappenden 15, Norman 8, Krimsky 6, Walsh 2, Patterson 1

 

 

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