Tees United Lions
enjoyed their first win over the newly formed
Wynyard Warriors at Billingham Campus. Both
teams ran their squads in a good pre season
workout and a high scoring game.
Lawrence Smith
opened the scores for Lions on his debut with a
well executed drive to the hoop followed closely
behind by Hayden Patterson, who converted a nice
shot from inside the key. Both teams began to
trade baskets with Chris Tappenden coming to
life for the Warriors and Dave Curran collecting
eight points in a row although Lions were ahead
13-16 at the end of the period.
The second quarter
was a good start for the Warriors as they took a
six point lead over the visiting Lions and it
wasn't until the sixth minute that Tees United
pulled back with Richard Keirl hitting a 3, Stu
Davison grabbing a rebound and converting the
resulting shot and Matthew Brown just on the 3
point line for a long two. This run gave the
Lions a one point advantage before Warriors
responded with a wide open fast break to halt
the surge. At the end of the half the Lions were
a nose in front thanks to a 3 pointer and free
throw from James Burton with the scoreboard
reading 32-35.
In the third
quarter, Lions ran the show with some very
stylish basketball. The Lions team play was
excellent with Luke Thompson starring inside the
key and Burton firing away from the 3 point
line. By the end of the quarter Lions were
beginning to extend their lead with a score of
58-67.
The fourth quarter
was more of the Thompson show as the athletic
star hit the first eleven points for Lions and
combining very well with fellow newcomer Alex
Moore. Davison was yet again collecting the
majority of the rebounds at both ends of the
court, providing the Lions with second shot
opportunities. By the fifth minute Lions were
roaring ahead by twenty points and Smith, who
experienced mixed fortunes in the first half was
now beginning to find his rhythm inside the
paint. Warriors never caved though and provided
a stern test until the end with Baister and
Tappenden leading their troops and hitting the
last six points of the game to reduce the Lions
win to 21 points; 82-103.
