The first match between these two teams took place back in October and could only be decided in overtime when the scores were tied at the end of the game. Despite coming away with the win, Taunton were keen to put right some of their mistakes from the previous encounter. Four months later and the progress the team has made was clear to see.

The first quarter was tightly contested with both teams shooting well from outside. Gladiators’ captain R. Williams hit three long-range shots from behind the three-point line. Tigers were unable to convert opportunities close to the basket but moved the ball well and all starters were on the scoreboard early. Jack Roberts led the charge for Tigers with 7 points but they found themselves trailing by 2 at the end of the quarter, 19 — 21.

Frustrated by Gladiators’ second chance opportunities, Tigers’ coach Richard Anderson called for better rebounding and defence in the second quarter. His team responded well by limiting Gladiators to just 12 points.

Igors Kuznecovs, returning from a shoulder injury, brought his customary strong, on-the-ball defence and along with Joe Andrews was able to force turnovers which led to fast-break layups. Roberts continued to make shots on the offensive end and would go on to top score for Taunton with 25 points.

With their starting point-guard Ryan Davies succumbing to a knee injury early in the game and unable to continue, Gladiators found themselves a player down. Williams and Warren carried the load for them offensively with 22 points apiece.

Defensively the visitors were unable to stop Taunton who enjoyed 31 and 24 point quarters in the second and third. Andrews, who finished with a total of 15 points added 12 during this period including two triples. Tigers Under 18 Harry Stacpoole went on a run in the third quarter scoring 7 consecutive points and Chris Alexander finished the game with 10 points.

Heading into the final quarter Tigers held a commanding lead 74 – 50 which allowed Coach Anderson to give more playing time to his younger players for valuable experience. Gladiators won the fourth 11 – 16 but the outcome was never in doubt and the game finished Taunton Tigers 85 – 66 RCT Gladiators.

The positive start to 2018 is a good sign for Tigers ahead of their next two fixtures when they play second place Bristol Academy Flyers II on consecutive weekends. Bristol also recorded a win this weekend defeating Surrey Rams away 69 – 72.

Though Taunton are ahead on points having played more games, both teams have just a single loss and the outcome of these fixtures will likely end up deciding the league. The first fixture is home at Richard Huish College (Saturday 20th January, 18:00) and the following week away at SGS College’s WISE campus (Saturday 27th January, 16:00).

In other results around Division 4 South West, Reading Rockets beat Gloucester Saxons 60 – 40, Oxford Stealers lost to Thames Valley Cavaliers II 70 – 92 and London United defeated Oxford City Hoops 98 – 89.