National League Basketball sponsored by TADEA, Sustainable Energy Solutions & Yankee Candles at Heave Scent Middlesbrough

Warrington Wolves 82-54 TADEA Middlesbrough Lions
TADEA Middlesbrough Lions Coach; James Thomson was not happy after seeing his side slump to a heavy defeat at Warrington Wolves. The game represented an ideal opportunity for some retribution after the Cheshire based team inflicted the heaviest defeat in Lions history; a 58pt loss at the start of the season. Coach Thomson was quick to point out that preparations in the first game were severely disrupted and Lions could have and should have played better. To have the opportunity to prove this and then throw it away brought a temper filled display from the normally reserved coach.

TADEA Lions began well, trading baskets with the Wolves via Rob Wright and Matt Taylor. Taylor would actually carry the Lions in the first quarter with 8pts. After two minutes, the Lions collapsed under the Wolves press with American guard DaWaun Wells beginning what would be a terrible game for a player of his calibre. Wells was being attracted like a magnet into the half court trap instead of passing out of trouble. Team mate Robinson was guilty of numerous early errors and was replaced after 5mins with John Ford entering the game. A Time Out was called by Lions to assess and counter the press, but the Lions continued to commit elementary errors and this was costing the side dearly. Very soon Warrington amassed a 10pt cushion with captain; Delme Herriman & Alan Duppa leading the Wolves with 7 & 6pts respectively. At the end of the first period, Lions were behind 29-19 and but for the impact of Taylor could have been a lot worse.

Duppa continued to be a menace in the second quarter adding 8pts to his tally but more concerning than Middlesbrough’s ability to contain Duppa was their inability to score, achieving only 8pts in the second quarter. Ironically two Lions dunks would emerge from this period though there was little for the team to celebrate as at the end of the half, the scoreboard read 46-27.

Being down by 19pts would not have seemed so bad if it had not been for the amount of turnovers the Lions continued to produce and if it wasn’t being caught in the trap it was poor passing. Lions would commit in excess of 30 turnovers and half of these were from Wells, which is uncharacteristic of the American. These turnovers led to quick and easy baskets for the home side with Herriman, Duppa and Slater struggling to believe their luck as they pillaged Middlesbrough on their way to a 25-12 period score.

In the final quarter Coach Thomson berated his under-performing players. To play badly is one thing but to play so badly with repeat errors is another and a new substitution policy of ‘one mistake and your off’ was adopted. This would appear to have the desired effect as all players were on their toes and although it was too little too late, the Lions managed to outscore the Wolves 11-15 in this period. This was in part due to the excellent defence Lions were displaying via their own press and the inner knowledge that a mistake would lead to their substitution. It was a relief to see Lions finally showing their potential. An 8pt haul from young John Ford including two ‘And 1’ plays inspired some hope, not for a win, but at least to salvage some respect. Robert Wright finished the game off with two shots to reduce the lead to 28 rather than the 40pt peak in the third period.

A 28pt loss was a lot better than the previous encounter between the two sides, yet Coach Thomson would not accept that as a positive. “We came into this game looking for a win, especially after the display against Huddersfield. I was really disappointed with the contribution of DaWaun and Tom, they are our leaders and they failed to deliver in this game. I am hoping this will spur them on to finish the season strong.”

Young John Ford though did make a positive impression “John was an inspiration, not only to me but I am hoping to his team mates. He played less than half the game and despite being the youngest led the team in scoring.”

Top Scorers
Wolves: Duppa 23, Griffiths 18, Herriman 12
TADEA Lions: Ford 12, Robinson 10, Taylor 10, Wright 10