Taunton welcomed Bristol to their Richard Huish College home, having gained in confidence following 1 shield and 3 league wins since their first encounter. Prior to tip-off both teams and those in attendance paid respect to one of British Basketball’s most recognizable names, Kevin Cadle, who passed away recently, with 24 seconds applause.

It was another good attendance of home supporters as well as a small but vocal contingent who travelled to cheer on Bristol, making for a great atmosphere. Tigers got off to a quick start with an elbow jump shot from Yabsley, a drive and layup from Andrews and three-pointer from Jack Roberts. Flyers matched them with a pair of easy looks close to the basket followed by two three-pointers from Craggs and Fasianos.

Towards the end of the first quarter and into the second, baskets were hard to come by for both sides. The early slick play not lasting long. Tigers had the edge however, led by good shooting from Roberts who hit a mid-range and 3 point shot in the period. As time expired, Taunton’s Joel Harrison pulled up for three directly in front of the basket and buried a high arcing shot on the buzzer to give Taunton a 30 – 26 lead at half time.

Tigers carried their momentum into the start of the third quarter with good offensive execution pushing their lead to 10. Flyers quickly regained their composure though and several strong moves to the basket from guard Major kept them within striking distance. The third quarter ended Tigers 49 – 41 Flyers.

The final quarter proved the most challenging for Taunton. Unable to find the basket and facing increased pressure from Bristol on defense, turnovers soon followed. Bristol were able to capitalise on loose passing by Tigers and run in several fast-break layups. Unable to get their offense going and watching their lead evaporate on the other end, Taunton’s coach Richard Anderson called time-out to urge for more composure to see out the game.

Spurred on by their home supporters, who by this stage were in a frenzy of excitement at the close game, Tigers were able finally to get good looks on offense. With Yabsley posting up his defender and drawing a double-team, on two occasions he was able to make passes to the open Mark Schroeder who finished easily at the basket. Bristol refused to give in and with their pick and roll offense working well, were still right in the game, making key shots when it counted.

In the final 30 seconds Tiger’s Roberts was fouled making a move to the basket, sending him to the free-throw line for 2 shots. Making the first but missing the second, Bristol secured the rebound and looked to break. But, as the Flyers player turned and began to dribble, Joe Andrews darted low with perfect timing to steal the ball right back. He passed to Schroeder near the basket who missed but was able to get his own rebound and keep the ball in play as time expired. Final score Huish Taunton Tigers 60 – 57 Bristol Academy Flyers II.

Coach Anderson was again pleased with his team’s ability to come out on the right side of a close game,

We played well enough today against a strong side from Bristol but there are still areas where we need to improve. I’m happy with how our younger players performed. Jack Roberts, Mark Schroeder and Tim Gumbs all made big contributions on offense and Tim handled the ball well under pressure down the stretch. Joe Andrews showed his quality again today, securing the win for us with a steal in the dying seconds.

With this win Taunton have earned another home draw in the National Shield and will face Division 3 South side, Team Solent Kestrels II in the third round. The next Tigers home match is on Saturday November 4, at Richard Huish College where they will host Gloucester Saxons in National League Division 4 South West. Tip-off 18:00.