Match Report
Heat Men vs Northallerton Vikings
73-80
Competition:
Details
Heat played hosts to last years Teesside League winners Vikings in what turned out to be an excellent game of Basketball.
Heat with key players missing started in their usual Zone Defence of Turner, Thomas, Robinson, Ord and Ray. Taylor won the tip for Vikings giving McQueen his taste for scoring which unfortunately for Heat would last all game, Heat were quick to respond with Robinson though and with a strong move to the basket the game was even. Step up McQueen who with excellent shooting and lay-ups gave the visitors the edge going into the 3rd minute. Strong defence and fast breaks helped Heat take the lead with Ord going strong to the basket drawing fouls while Turner and Thomas combined well in transition. Vikings didn’t give anything up easy and with Finch in support McQueen tied the game at 21-21 from the line.
Vikings show their strength in the 2nd with their big men picking up rebounds and putting them in with ease while Heat struggle to score consistently and McQueen struggles to miss. An excellent quarter of Basketball but Heat find themselves 42-35 down at half time.
Heat start the 3rd strong and fast. Turner, Robinson and Ord all chip in to give the Heat a 10-point unanswered run that causes Coach Clack to call a time-out. Heat lead 45-42. Fawcett stops the run but Turner hits a 3 to keep Heat in front but quick baskets from Dixon and Fawcett again see Vikings retake the lead. Taylor and Fawcett then combine well and manage to hold the lead for Vikings finishing the 3rd 60-56.
Another strong start saw Heat pull back within 3-points with Ord leading the way but every time Heat scored Vikings would reply and when Heat started missing from the line, the gap started to grow. Ord again inspired another fight back with his do or die attitude but two 3’s and ball movement made sure Vikings took the W.