Worthing Thunder can’t put out Bradford Dragons’ fire

Although the result was disappointing their were times during the game that Thunder were outstanding. But in the end it was a victory for a well-coached visitors side.

The first quarter brought good end-to-end play with Thunder taking the advantage with a lead of seven points at the first break (20-13).

The second quarter was different through a combination of Bradford hitting top form and Thunder becoming disjointed with their play.

Unable to break down the tough Bradford defence Thunder were restricted to just six points with the visitors piling in 21, meaning it was 26-34 at halfway.

The turnaround in the third period was phenomenal as Thunder suddenly found their way, almost doubling their score of the first half .

A scoring run of 11 points brought the crowd to life. Hafeez Abdul and Tom Ward were now on fire and Daniel Johnson-Thompson was beginning to rule the defence.

As the quarter ended Thunder were just a single point behind at 51-52.

The fourth period got off to a good start for Thunder and five minutes in they held a seven-point lead.

However Bradford were not wilt under the pressure! Thunder held a three-point lead with just 20 seconds remaining but a quick trey seconds from the end by the visitors tied the game and overtime beckoned at 73-73.

Overtime started with Thunder taking the first six points to take command but Bradford stepped up the defensive pressure.

With Thunder two down with 20 seconds remaining Thunder needed a trey to win it but Abdul – who was excellent in the second half- saw his hopeful try rim out to leave the score 81-85.

This Saturday Thunder travel to Brunel University for a match-up with Thames Valley Cavaliers (7pm).

They return to the Thunderdome the following weekend for matches against Reading Rockets (league, Dec 16, 7.30pm) and Milton Keynes Breakers (National Cup, Dec 17, 5pm).