Basketball

The away team were always on top as Teesside found it difficult to establish rhythm on offence. Belmont had no such problems though scoring quickly and efficiently throughout. So the pattern of the game was established and so continued as Huntley continued the pressure in the second period for the Panthers taking advantage of Teesside's disorganisation. Freeman and Hale finally settled into the game come second half but Belmont's lead as too overpowering as they left Teeside, winners 72-42.

Middlesbrough 'Steve Whitehead Joinery & Glazing Services' Mavericks v University of Teesside

The Mavericks completely dominated this derby match from start to finish. Reid began the route with a three-pointer as six more Mavericks were able to score in the first period (Pawlak dominating with 21 personal points). The period ended with a McCarthy buzzer beater and the Mavs leading 35-18. The second quarter saw scoring slow for Middlesbrough who ran most of their bench players into the game. it still didn't make too much of a difference to the game though, the half finishing 57-33 to the home team. The start of the second half brought no respite to the students as the Mavericks pressure defence restricted them to only eight points in the third period. Although never giving up on the task, the visitors could no stop the free scoring of the Mavericks with points coming from all areas of the court. The final period saw the visitors, to their credit, fight harder than ever topping 19 points for the quarter but the Mavericks continued to roll regardless.

Willington Wasps v East Durham & Houghall Comm. College A

Willington raced out to an early lead as East Durham struggled come to terms with the fast opening pace. Campbell had a big influence on Willington's fast opening although Steve Johnson kept East Durham in touch with their opposition. East Durham were able to make ground on their 15 deficit in the second, Ian Barrow helping to eat in to the Wasp lead. Although the game remained tight throughout the second half, Willington were able to consolidate their lead through baskets by Smith and Wintergill and the twenty point lead going into the fourth quarter was to much to ask College to come back from despite Burrell and Barrow's efforts. Willington win 91-73.

Division Two

Old Houghtonians v Shildon Strollers

After jumping out into a surprise early lead Shildon began to struggle when Houghton took control of the game. Shildon found it hard to score consistently from then on, Pattison and Elderkin scoring double figures but each player contributed to the whole team effort.

Houghton were too strong tonight though, Philip Smailes continued on to a new level that put Houghton beyond Shildon's reach in the second period. His mantle was taken over by Burdis in the third period and Carr in the fourth as Houghton eventually trotted to a win 76-44.

Division Three

East Durham & Houghall Comm. College C v Young Houghtonians

A college time out and choice words from the coach were enough to see College pull together a 11-1 run after seven minutes, Johnston and Officer causing the most damage.

Houghton then pulled a run of their own out of the bag as the end of the quarter finished 14-10 to College.

In the second Hochaday came out of his shell and backed up by Johnston College scored 10 unanswered points. Carr and Belshaw quickly went on a run of their own pulling back 6 points quickly for Houghton.

College were able to get another run by the end of the quarter through James Officer and Tony Swallow as they went into the second break 32-16 points up. The half-time rest seemed to be just the tonic for Houghton and a good all-round team game saw them pull back 12 valuable points over the next eight minutes pulling Houghton back to within ten points. Its was only a late run in the last two minutes of the quarter that was able to help College extend out of reach of Houghton. Officer showed the rest of his team how to shoot, pass and defend as an excellent personal five minutes of basketball lengthened the College lead once again. College C were able to see out the rest of the game comfortably winning 58-40.

Belmont Coug. v Wear Valley Wild Da.

Wear Valley won a re-scheduled close game at Belmont but not without Belmont giving the Dogs the flutters first. After a tied first half Wear Valley leaped in front with Hurst and Anderson doubling up to score early in the second half. Belmont then had a 12 point deficit to make up and they spent the better half of 15 minutes doing just that. Harrison, Stamp and company could only get as close as two points for Belmont as Anderson put the finishing touches to a 73-69 win to Wear Valley.

Handicap Cup

Durham Knights v East Durham & Houghall Comm. College Ladies

Davison provided the positive moments for College and Maguire as equivalent for Durham and the undersized College were able to gain a slight two point edge. The short College roster with only five players dressed for the game meant that fouls were crucial and it was the second and third quarter, with fatigue and a no substitutes, that allowed Durham to take the lead and extend their advantage. They continued to stretch and make use of their advantages throughout the middle periods and this was sufficient to put the game beyond the College reaches, T. Davies and A. Turner converted Durham's points efficiently. Durham won the contest 85-52