Click to join the Worthing Thunder mailing list

Worthing and Chichester face top-of-the-table opposition this weekend - 01/02/2012

After a run of three straight defeats, Worthing Thunder will look to bounce back when they travel to the reigning EBL Division One champions Bristol Academy Flyers on Saturday night.

Unfortunately for Thunder, it doesn’t come any tougher than the league leaders, who are currently undefeated on their home floor, and having lost the National Cup final to BA London Leopards in dramatic circumstances last Sunday in Sheffield, will be looking to get back to winning ways themselves.

Liam Mitchell knows the importance of Saturday’s game, as another loss could see them slide further down the table: “Bristol are no doubt one of the most consistent teams in this league, and their position proves that,” he said.

Mitchell added: “We haven’t enjoyed 2012 so far, and it would be the ultimate confidence boost if we won in Bristol on Saturday, and we will be going to give them a real test. The obvious goal is to be smart with the basketball and take our chances. Our fans deserve better than what is being shown right now, this slump really needs to stop otherwise we’ll be in danger of losing control of the playoff spots on offer.”

Worthing lost to Bristol at the Leisure Centre in the first week of November by two points (67-69), a game that American Marcus Tullis hasn’t forgotten, and he wants to set the record straight.

“We have a team capable of beating Bristol, it will be hard, no doubt about it but we’re going to work hard in practice this week and go in there and give them a game, I haven’t forgotten when they beat us on our floor, and I don’t think anyone on the team has,” Tullis said.

Thunder are currently occupying sixth position in the EBL Division One standings, level on points with Bradford Dragons and Medway Park Crusaders - a team they host next week.

While Thunder look to end Bristol’s undefeated home streak this weekend, Chichester University Thunder will also face top-of-the-table opposition, as they host Crawley in Division Four South action at the Chichester University Bishop Otter Campus.

The first West Sussex derby was also back in November with Crawley thumping the university side 93-67.  Chichester currently lay in ninth place on a 5-8 record, but the position doesn’t do them justice as they have fought hard against all teams faced.

To prepare for this game, a few of the Chichester players have been training with the Worthing squad over the course of this week.

The game tips-off at 5.30pm with free admission. Worthing’s game with Bristol tips at 7.30pm.

[Back to news]