Thames Valley Kings 2nd team were in double-action over the weekend, in what the club termed the “Welsh Weekender” against Swansea Storm on Saturday and Cardiff Met Archers on Sunday.
Saturday’s game against Swansea Storm started off quite slow in the first quarter, with the score staying very similar for most of the first quarter. Eventually Kings picked up the momentum towards the end of the first quarter and carried it into the second quarter with Kings were able to build a 20-point lead with offensive runs from Conal O’Donovan, Yassine Ibesaine and Todd Travers.
The second half saw Strom attempt to defensive press, however Kings were able to move the ball allot, so the press was broken very easily. By the 4th quarter, Storm had already realized the game was over, so they rolled their weaker line-up out, so Kings played respectfully and closed the game out with a few more baskets and solid defense. The game finished 30-53.
Sunday Saw a trip to Cardiff to play Cardiff Met Archers, one of the strongest teams in their division, going on results so far. Archers started strong, slowly building up a lead to finish the 1st quarter 18-11. The kings came out strong in the second quarter, bringing the score down to a 1-point difference halfway through the quarter. Archers came back at Kings, finishing the quarter with a half-time score of 34-26. Both teams came out in the second half battling on every offensive and defense, but the score remained at around a 10-point led for Archers. Third quarter finishing 45-34 to Archers. Same story with the fourth quarter, with no team gaining any massive advantage. The game finishes with a win for the strong Cardiff Met Archers, 59-46. Although It was a defeat, The coaches agreed that it was the best performance from the team this season against a very strong team.
The results leave Kings II 3rd in the BWB Division Two South table with 2 wins from 6 games.