After months of training, the new Under 14s team finally had its first taste of action, and it was an outstanding success. With Taunton having lost their own ‘big man’, 6′3″ Jon Orrells, to illness on the eve of the match, the Swindon side, which fielded three very tall players, looked like they were going to be testing opposition. That proved to be the case, but the Tigers boys were well prepared for the challenge.
The Sonics opened up a 4 – 0 advantage at the start of the game, but a couple of inside baskets from captain, Dominic Hinchliffe and a free-throw from the lively Ben Hayes soon settled any early nerves. This opening period was a closely fought defensive battle, though, and the lead changed hand several times. It was the Tigers who went into the first break with a slim 10 – 8 advantage, when a well-worked in-bounds play resulted in a lay-up for David Grenfell.
The game remained tight throughout the second quarter. Hayes and Adam Hood kept the scoreboard ticking over but the first significant lead of the game was secured when Hinchliffe superbly executed back-to-back 3 point shots. The quarter also ended in great fashion for the visitors. With seconds left on the clock Hayes drove to the basket and then kicked the ball out to Jack Penny who drained the buzzer beating long-range 2 pointer.
The Tigers offence continued to work well in the third quarter with baskets being shared around the team, and 4 vital points coming from Nathan Webb with his trademark unhurried shooting style.
Going into the final period Taunton held what looked like a comfortable 38 – 27 lead, but Swindon fought back hard, and the Taunton lads were called upon to show that they have determination to go with their ability. Although they only managed 6 more points themselves, excellent defensive work from Tigers' Spencer Gormley (battling sickness throughout), Dan Burke-Ward and Rob MacIntyre helped limit the opposition to just 10 points and, in the process, secure the win.