National League Division 4 South West
Huish Taunton Tigers 77, Surrey Rams 43

IN their last home NBL Division 4 South West league fixture of the season, Huish Taunton Tigers defeated an undermanned Surrey Rams.

The first time these two teams met back in November, Tigers had to battle hard to get back in the game after a slow start and good outside shooting by the Rams.

This time, however, at home and in front of a large contingent of supporters, they had no such trouble.

From the tip-off Taunton played with confidence against Surrey’s zone defence and 19-year-old Chris Alexander, who is showing big improvements each game, got to work immediately scoring the first six points for Tigers and finishing with 10 in the quarter.

Alexander also played a big role at the other end of the floor, with excellent help defence leading to multiple blocked shots.

Rams were unable to get going offensively, managing just two field goals in the first quarter which finished 21–9.

With only six players they had limited opportunity to rest whilst Taunton were able to rotate their bench freely and push the pace on court.

With Surreys defence weighted towards the back, Tigers moved the ball well in second quarter, finding open players on the outside.

They were able to convert their shots, Paul Yabsley making three three-pointers in the quarter and Kevin Anderson adding another.

The highlight of the match came midway through the second when Tigers guard Igors Kuznecovs threw a lob pass to Alexander streaking down the left wing.

At first it looked too high but to the joy of the watching supporters Alexander rose up, snatched the ball from the air and threw down his biggest dunk of the season!

In the second half Tigers continued to move the ball well and enjoyed good offensive execution.

Joel Harrison, returning from two months in Norway for work, took no time in reacclimatising and poured in seven of his nine points in the third quarter.

Mark Schroeder was consistent throughout and efficient with his scoring, finishing the game with 15 points.

Tigers were able to get all players on the score sheet in this well-rounded performance.

Yabsley led with 21, including four from behind the three-point line, and Alexander finished with 18 for Taunton as they ran out 77-43 winners.

With three league fixtures to go in the season Tigers have secured finishing at least second and a place in the playoffs.

Due to Bristol Flyers II losing to Reading Rockets last weekend, Taunton currently sit clear at the top with their 15 wins from 17 matches, but they will need to win their remaining three games to guarantee first place.

Next weekend they have a double-header, travelling to Southampton University Sharks on Saturday and Thames Valley Cavaliers II on Sunday. The following week they are away to London United.

Earlier in the day, Richard Huish College played host to Gloucester Saxons in Under-16 and Under-18 competitions.

Both Tigers junior teams recorded wins, with the Under-16s winning 78–46 with a strong team effort and the Under-18s triumphing 87-65.