Elite basketball show: Worthing Thunder shoot down Londoners

Playing some excellent team basketball, they beat newly promoted London Elite 86-74.

The visitors had won their first game the night before and looked full of confidence but they had reckoned without the fact they were at the stronghold of the Thunderdome.

Notably a tough venue for away teams, Sunday was to be no exception.

The first quarter saw Thunder blast into action as they controlled the early stages.

With Ishmael Fontaine hitting the first score of the game with a trey Thunder took command and held it for the rest of the match.

With Daniel Johnson-Thompson Tom Ward and Hafeez Abdul looking good the lead at the first break was 24-12.

The second period was much of the same with Thunder increasing the lead to 48-30.

The game was fast getting out of London's reach as the attack gained momentum.

Luke Moore found his range from downtown hitting three consecutive shots in what was becoming a stellar performance.

Tyler and John Fairbairn were doing well in their best performance for the team. The 19-year-old twins are improving as the games go by.

The third quarter saw Thunder pile on more pressure with everyone contributing.

Once again it was Ward leading from the front with Johnson-Thompson, Moore and the Fairbairns looking good.

The lead grew to a big 24 points as the final break arrived. The game as a contest was over but Thunder were entertaining the crowd with some eye-catching moments.

A score of 71-47 was fully deserved and there was no way Thunder were going to let it slip.

The final ten minutes saw Thunder ease off the accelerator and London did pull back the gap.

It was going to be too little too late for the Londoners as it was a good day at the office for the home favourites sending the fans home happy.

The final score was still a comfortable 86-74 but could have been more - and Thunder’s return to form brightened up a wet Sunday afternoon.

Thunder are back in the Thunderdome this Saturday, November 4, against Loughborough Riders in the league tipping at 7.30pm.

Loughborough were here pre season when Thunder beat them comprehensively - since then however they have beaten the defending league champions Hemel Storm so this has the makings of a tough workout for Thunder.

Once again the ‘sixth man’ will be needed in good voice so make sure you book early for another great Saturday night at the Thunderdome!!

SCORERS- J Fairburn 13pts, 4 reb, 1 stl. Johnson-Thompson 13pts, 9 reb, 1 asst, 1 block. Moore 13pts, 1 reb, 1 assist, 1 block. Fontaine 12pts, 6 rebo, 3 asst, 3 steals. Ward 11pts, 7 reb, 6 asst. Abdul 10pts, 5 reb, 3 asst, 1 steal. T Fairburn 7 pts, 4 reb, 4 asst, Okiki 7 pts, 4 reb, 4 asst, 3 stls.