Basketball

Tigers had Dave Murphy to thank with 14 points including ten out of ten free throws helping his side to their first Teesside League win over Thornaby by 68-60.

Both sides struggled to get into any kind of rhythm but with Tigers' big men shading the rebounds a four point lead was gained which they maintained up to the half way mark to lead 33-29.

In the second period Tigers' big men continued to cause problems for Thornaby getting them into foul trouble but the success rate from the line for both sides was not great but Tigers managed to shade the area of play also.

Steve Dolphin fouled out for Tigers in the final quarter as Thornaby pressed to get back into the game but Tigers negotiated the final minutes safely for a home win.

Lee Woollams top scored with 22 points for Tigers as Steve Butler hit 24 for Thornaby.

Norton played host to Thirsk Vikings and saw the visitors score the first basket through Craig Wakefield but they managed only three more points in the opening quarter of play. The second period belonged to Glen Urban who hit 19 points to put the home side into a 26 point lead and kill the game.

In the second half Thirsk perked up to hit 40 points but Urban continued to score freely with good back up from Paul Jenkins and Graham Bennett which saw Norton run out easy winners by 88-59.

Urban finished with 41 points as Moray Finch and Nic Kiely both got into double figures for Thirsk.

Marske Mariners were looking for better form in their home game against Mavericks but after an initial good start from Edwin Swain and Paul Neesam the Middlesbrough side got into their stride with Tan Viveash hitting five consecutive baskets. The visitors, although short on numbers, were in no mood to surrender their half time lead of 44-22 as they continued to dominate the second period. Their ability to move the ball quickly from defence into attack left the home side chasing shadows at times but they stuck to their guns and were rewarded with a competitive performance although going down to a 95-49 defeat. Mavericks had six players into double figures as Easmon Urtone top scored with 25 points as Nick Gibson with 14 and Paul Neesam 13 hit the points for Mariners.

Teesside Mohawks

After three weeks of National Cup and Trophygames, Mohawks return to league business tomorrow when they hope to continue their good away form at Inter-Basket White Heat.

The North London side have yet to get off the mark in the Conference League from their two starts so far, although they have performed better in the National Trophy where they, like Mohawks, top their pool and look sure to progress to the quarter finals.