Taunton Tigers Men's team made the long journey to London for the second week running, to play Newham (NASSA) Neptunes, who were crowned the Men's National Shield winners the day before.
Tigers travelled with a depleted squad once again with only seven fit players available for selection. However the Tigers started the game well with great intensity on the defence. Both Dan Howe, the Tigers captain for the game and Joe Mills putting their body's on the line for the team.
At the offensive end Harry Turner, Kevin Anderson and Mark Schroeder all showed their shooting ability by making shots from beyond the arc. The Tigers intensity seemed to kick Newham into gear and it wasn't long before they increased the tempo putting pressure on the Tigers all over the court. Despite several time outs the Tigers struggled against the pressure of Newham which saw the Tigers turn the ball over, allowing the Neptune's to run in lay ups.
With George Scarborough and Alex Boden coming off the bench to give some composure to the Tiger, Newham showed why they are favourites for the league by shooting the ball well from range and putting a dent in the Tigers hopes of coming away with a victory.
As the game wound down the Tigers kept pushing but the strength in depth of the Neptunes shone through. Tigers coach Matt Nolan said after the game,
“I am proud of the players they have put up a good fight and can be proud of their performance.”