National League Division 4 South West
Surrey Rams 55, Huish Taunton Tigers 71

TAUNTON Tigers embarked on their third away game of the season last Saturday, with Surrey Rams their hosts.

The journey must have had an effect on the Tigers players, as they got off to a slow start.

Surrey came out firing, starting the first quarter with three consecutive three-pointers, and they led 17-11 at the end of the first period.

The hosts began the second quarter well too, with clinical offence and effective defence, but gradually the away side began to find their feet.

They won the second quarter 20-18, with most of their scoring coming from moves close to the basket and from the free throw line, and so the deficit was down to four at half time.

The momentum was with Taunton now, and with the hosts unable to cope with Robin Boult, the away team moved into the lead.

Tigers held Surrey to 11 points in the third period to their own 15.

In the fourth quarter the visitors made full use of the Rams’ foul trouble, with Joe Andrews getting to the free throw line three times and making two three-pointers, to finish the game with 21 points.

The Tigers were purring now, scoring 25 and conceding just nine in the final quarter to win 71-55.

Coach Richard Anderson said: “I was happy with our composure as the game went on and the spirit we showed after a slow start.

“There is plenty to improve, but we’re learning how to win games even when things don’t go our way.”

Huish Taunton Tigers now have a three-game home stand in the run-up to Christmas, starting today (Saturday), when they play Thames Valley Cavaliers II.

Next Saturday, December 9, they face London United, and on December 16 they host Oxford Stealers.

All three games are at Richard Huish College, starting at 6pm.