Tigers arrived in Bristol hoping to avenge their previous defeat – losing to Hurricanes in the National Shield — and were confident of delivering Bristol’s first defeat of the season.

Taunton started brightly shooting well and finding space on the floor. Defensively Taunton were equally impressive limiting Bristol to poor options and causing turnovers. Their efforts were rewarded as Taunton led 12 – 3 in the early minutes. Bristol gradually started to find their feet though and some poor decisions from Taunton meant they took advantage of second chance opportunities and Taunton’s climbing foul count. The first quarter ended tied at 21.

The second quarter was Taunton’s best with every player getting involved and contributing in the right areas. They limited Bristol to few clear shooting opportunities and were able to stop any inside passes. Bristol upped the physicality but soon found themselves in foul trouble, allowing Tigers some easy points from the free throw line, extending their lead to 9 points. Joel Harrison, playing his last game for Tigers contributed well at both ends of the floor and kept the tempo high. Bristol’s Andreriekus and Armonas both worked hard to keep Hurricanes in the game

At halftime Tigers led the Hurricanes 45 – 38.

The third saw a reverse of fortunes with Tigers this time finding themselves in foul trouble and conceding from the free throw line. Hurricanes started to find success inside and unforced errors from Tigers led to conceding quick fast break points.

With the scores tied half way through the quarter Ryan Parker-Bowker took it upon himself to stamp his authority on the game by going end to end, driving through the Bristol defence and emphatically dunking over Hurricanes Poplovuchinas. Casey Williams added two 3-pointers back-to-back to end the quarter.

Going into the final quarter Tigers were down by just two but found it hard going and struggled to get into a rhythm. Hurricanes however seemed to score at will creating opportunities inside and out, extending their lead with a 14 – 5 run. Taunton were unable to find a response with the run of shots just not going their way.

Final Score: Bristol Hurricanes 91 – 79 Huish Taunton Tigers. A very hard fought and physical game. Tigers will be keen to turn the tables on the reverse fixture in February. Their next home game will take place on Saturday 8th December at Richard Huish College when they host RCT Gladiators.