Sunday finally saw the Worthing Thunder have their first competitive action of the 2020/2021 season as they took on last season’s Division Two champions Essex Rebels in the new L Lynch Trophy.
Played under strict Covid19 rules in a central hub at Solent Kestrels Complex in front of no spectators it was an eerie sensation to watch the game! Both teams were understandably a bit rusty as neither had played for over seven months, but they provided a good game for the watching supporters on live stream.
The first half was end to end ball with Thunder generally in control but unable to gain any big leads. As the half way break approached only a Tom Ward put back on the buzzer kept Thunder in front at 42-41! In the second half Thunder applied the pressure as their two star youngsters ( Cameron Hildreth @ Max Richardson ) upped the pace of the game. They possess such talent along with the others in the squad that it looks to be an exciting ( if unusual ) season.
Thunder pulled away as the fourth period saw the game head for closure and but for a late run of trey’s by Essex could have won easier! Cameron finished with 37 points,10 rebounds and 5 assists and Max 26 points and 10 rebounds to round off a good days work! Thunders captain Zaire Taylor ended with 8 points and 8 assists showing his experience will be very important to the team in the future. Returning senior pro Tom Ward also hit double figures with 10 points.
Thunder are in action again next Sunday when they take on BA London Lions in the Trophy tipping at 12.00 noon. The game once again will be live streamed on Basketball England’s You Tube Channel.