Newcastle well-beaten on home ground

Worthing Thunder arrived just after 3pm in the north-east after a seven-hour journey. Less than an hour later they were tipping off in a deserted sports hall against in-form Team Newcastle.
Zaire Taylor was in fine form for Thunder at NewcastleZaire Taylor was in fine form for Thunder at Newcastle
Zaire Taylor was in fine form for Thunder at Newcastle

Another seven hours in a packed minibus was in front of them after the game too.

Thunder started well as the home side seemed lethargic . Quickly building a lead Thunder were playing well but it became more even as the period progressed and at the first break Thunder were 22-21 in front.

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In the second quarter Thunder completely outclassed the smaller home side. At the halfway stage the lead was a big 21 points, the score 56-35.

The free scoring of Max Richardson, Howard Crawford and Tom Ward was superb. The defence was on top of their game as Zaire Taylor organised with expertise.

The introduction of Josh Goddard, Brandon Laryea, and Kieran Farrell gave Thunder’s starters a breather.

It was more even in the second half as the Newcastle comeback began. But Thunder were ready for it.

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The defence continued to snuff out any easy chances. Crawford, Richardson and Ward headed towards another double double and it was 75-58.

The final quarter was close-run. Thunder played their bench with everyone who travelled getting valuable minutes. With four starters scoring 20-plus points it was a good offensive performance with tight defence thrown in and it ended 105-91.

Thunder’s next game is this Saturday at Durrington High School (7pm). It will be live-streamed on Thunder’s Facebook page.

Scorers: Max Richardson 26 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block. Zaire Taylor- 23 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals. Howard Crawford 22 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block. Tom Ward 21 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, Keiran Farrell 6 points, Jack Sunderland 2 points Nick Ballone 2 Points, Josh Goddard 2 points, Brandon Laryea 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block.