Middlesbrough Lions match report

Lions Repel Vikings in Yorkshire Derby

at Eston Sports Academy, 07/12/08

Middlesbrough Lions 82-66 York Vikings

Middlesbrough Lions got back to winning ways with a comfortable 16pt win over York Vikings at Eston Sports Academy. In the absence of big man Ben Robinson, who fractured his wrist last week, Lee Woolams and Rob Bryson combined well at the back of defence for Lions as they both dominated the rebounds early in the game.

York took the lead through a sweet 3 pointer from Richard Grainger although Lee Woolams was quick to respond for Lions with a well timed shot off the backboard. Vikings then extended their lead when Liam Hudson made a shot off the dribble. In the second minute Woolams again worked his magic inside the key to instigate a 9-0 run, James Thomson gaining a steal and fast break and then rounding off the run with a skilful And 1 play to extend the Middlesbrough lead, 11-5.

The long range shooting of York was a constant threat as Hudson nailed another 3 for Vikings in the fifth minute but Lions were beginning to dominate with Thomson, Woolams and Damian Warriner combining well to earn a first quarter lead of 11pts, 25-14.

Woolams continued his good form with a shot off the backboard from inside the key but another 3 pointer was made by Hall and when Mark Lister converted a lay up shortly after, York had reduced the lead to 9, 29-20. Lions though were just too strong and for the next three minutes pounded the Vikings 14-1 to take a 22pt lead with three minutes remaining in the first half. The run was eventually broken by another Hall 3, some good shooting from the York side, just a lack of consistency meaning for every basket the visitors scored, Lions would net three or four. Lions were also enjoying a good spread of scoring as Chris Lyle and Rob Bryson took over the mantle from Woolams and Thomson. Both sides continued to trade baskets until the buzzer when the scoreboard indicated a healthy 53-30 score line.

In the third quarter 6’8” Matt Pitcher received a lovely pass from Alexander Brook-Sykes to register his first points of the game. Chris Lyle made the next shot with a fast break for Lions, but there was a shift in momentum as Vikings piled on the pressure, Richard Adams in particular doing well as he made 6pts in a row. Warriner who was enjoying a quiet game on offence was a constant thorn in the Vikings side as he pounced on every lose ball and in general made the York players earn every bounce they made. At the mid way point of the quarter Warriner made a steal and ran the full length of the court for the easy basket and when Rob Bryson dribbled past his defender for the pull up jump shot Vikings were staring at a 25pt deficit forcing York coach David Walsh to call a time out. What was said during the time out is not known but the result was a 13-3 run, holding the so far potent Lions to a mere 3pts over five minutes and earning a 64-49 score at the end of the third.

York started where they left off in the fourth quarter as the impressive Hudson weaved through the Lions defence twice. A good spell from Woolams eased the pressure slightly for Lions and the big man hit 7pts with only Lister responding for Vikings. In the sixth minute both Woolams and Lyle would go to the free throw line after being fouled but only Woolams would convert 1 of his attempts and when Brook-Sykes made his shot in the eighth minute, Lions lead was down to 13, 73-60. Lyle made amends for his earlier misses when he converted the following four attempts. Liam Hudson would round off a good personal performance with two late 3’s, the final shot being a buzzer beater although the two earlier baskets from Lee Woolams would ensure the comfortable victory for Middlesbrough.

The MVP was awarded to Lee Woolams of Middlesbrough as he top scored with 30pts along with 11 rebounds. Rob Bryson was lively on the rebounds, pulling down an impressive 17 boards. Damian Warriner has seen better games and his 7 turn overs indicated he is not back to full sharpness after missing the last game due to illness. Liam Hudson and Alexander Brook-Sykes were excellent for Vikings and Mark Lister was a constant threat, especially on offensive rebounds as he collected 7 out of his 8 total.

Lions next game will be a Christmas cracker as the Middlesbrough side entertain Holyhead Celts Sunday 21st December at Eston Sports Academy. The game is a 4pm tip off and will provide the Lions with an opportunity to restore some pride after being beaten earlier in the season by 28pts in Wales. Tickets are on sale now at Eston Sports Academy with half price vouchers available from Game Time online