WEYMOUTH TROPICS 33 DORSET STORM B 40

WEYMOUTH TROPICS 28 DORSET STORM A 31

THE Tropics failed in their bid to seal the title after being blown away by Dorset Storm.

In the opening contest of the night’s games, Storm B took a 13-4 first-quarter lead after Weymouth had been 4-0 ahead. Tropics kept up the pressure, outscoring Storm B with Jordan Daniels and Matt Clark-Williams on the mark.

Weymouth opened the second quarter with a 7-0 run, via scores from Jake Kinder and Josh Turner. And at the half-time break, they were trailing by three at 20-17. Storm continued to struggle and get into any rhythm as Weymouth tied the game at 29 heading into the final quarter.

Unfortunately, a different Storm team came out in the final quarter, opening with a crucial 8-0 run and finishing the game 40-33 winners.

In Weymouth’s second game they squared off against Storm A.

A tight first quarter saw Storm A lead 11-8, behind some strong play from Tropic Gerry Legg.

Continuing their strong performance in the first period, Weymouth got back into the game, taking advantage of numerous Storm fouls to trail 15-14.

Starting the second half, Turner helped Weymouth remain competitive, soon followed with back-to-back baskets from Daniels.

The final quarter was again a nip-and-tuck affair as both team exchanged baskets, but Weymouth coming up short with their foul shooting, giving Storm a 31-28 victory.

Coach Alex Fuhrmann said: “Unfortunately in our last two games we failed to seal the double win to lock the league title.

“In both games we outplayed our opponents over stretches, although we were unable to do enough for victories.

“It’s been a pleasure coaching the lads this season, we had a shot at the title through some solid play and I look forward to them moving up the club ranks.”

Tropics: Jordan Daniels, Josh Kirby, Josh Turner, Matt Clark-Williams, Gerry Legg, Jay Willson, Jay Zhou, Taine Mackay, Jake Kinder, Joe Heffell.