A delayed start to the game due to one of the hoops falling off prior to warm didn’t help the Taunton after their long drive. However, with some quick thinking and duct tape the game got underway!

Tigers played with a smaller line up due to missing players and started the game with an intense defensive mind-set, stopping the home side from scoring for the first 4 minutes of the game. They were unable to capitalise at the other end though, with missed opportunities. Surrey soon found their feet through top scorer George Emms who scored a layup and back-to-back three pointers to bring Rams back into the game. The first quarter ended with the score tied at 16 with Joe Andrews and Kevin Anderson combining to score all of Tigers points.

The second quarter was scrappy with both teams making unforced errors, keeping the scores low. Turnovers would prove a key factor in the game for the travelling Tigers. Surrey started to find space on the floor and shot well winning the second quarter 14 – 12. At halftime the score was Rams 30 – 28 Tigers.

The third quarter saw Surrey up their intensity and defensively they had a lot of success pressuring Tigers, forcing mistakes, leading to turnovers. The home side were able to make good use of their additional possessions, finding space inside and continuing to shoot well from outside. Rams hit another four three-pointers and played some clinical offense. Point guard Prashan Rai adding 11 points in the period to his game total of 22.

Taunton found it hard going in the third and struggled to get into a scoring rhythm, losing the quarter 31 – 18. When the buzzer sounded at the end of the quarter, Tigers found themselves trailing by 15, Rams up 61 – 46.

In the final quarter with instructions from Coach Anderson and Captain Joe Andrews giving the Tigers players fresh momentum and not wanting to lose the opening game they went to work on reducing the deficit. This time it was Taunton creating the pressure and forcing the errors.

Tigers then attacked the basket on every possession causing Surrey to get into foul trouble. Liam Vickery & Casey Williams scoring well to bring the gap down to 9. Ryan Parker-Bowker used his speed and athleticism to cause Surrey further problems, getting to the line 3 times to further reduce the gap.

With time running out though Tigers needed to stop the clock and foul the home team, which put them in the penalty. Emms & Green held their nerve for Surrey, hitting their respective free throws to keep Rams in front. A quick possession and three pointer from Joe Andrews brought the Tigers back to within 3, with just 16 seconds to go. Surrey went to the line again and hit both free throws to go up 5. The clock ticked down and Tigers were unable to complete what would’ve been a great comeback. Tigers won the fourth quarter 22 – 12 but it wasn’t enough.

Final score Surrey Rams 73 – 68 Huish Taunton Tigers. Next week Tigers travel to South Wales to play league newcomers for 2018/19, Cardiff Met Archers II. Their full fixture list can be seen here.