Lithgow Workies Lazers travelled with only seven players but put in a brave showing against the full strength Thunderbolts, with Jaidyn Goodwin leading the way scoring 11 three point shots to give him a game high of 33 points. 

The first half saw both teams going shot for shot against each other, Lazers had the chance to take a early lead as three lay-ups were missed early due to nerves on the big occasion.

Tamworth took this first quarter 24 to 23.

The second quarter was virtually a repeat of the first but  Michael Cox and Terrence Durham rattled up some good points between them to help keep Lazers in the game.

At half time Tamworth lead 44 to 43.

“The belief in the change room at half time was we had to continue playing defence and we could go away with the win,” coach Richard Marjoram said. 

The third quarter saw cracks in the Lazers defence start to appear and this let the Thunderbolts build a small lead.

The quarter was taken by Tamworth to lead 69 to 65.

The Lazers knew they had to find extra energy for the run home in the fourth quarter but unfortunately Kurt Northey fouled out trying to keep Tamworth’s big man Rashanti Harris under control.

Not long after that Lazers captain Adam Marjoram fouled out trying to help out in defence, all while Lazers were making a charge for the lead.

With around 50 seconds left on the clock Lazers put in a big effort and brought the game back within four points.

The next play saw them steal the ball and make it a one point difference and with nine seconds left on the clock Lazers then stole the ball again in the opposition half.

In a last ditch effort Jaidyn Goodwin got a rushed shot away which rimmed in and then out, but during the process it appeared he was fouled but no whistle was blown and Tamworth took a one point win.

Coach Richard Marjoram said he was proud of the effort of all the men that travelled as they left nothing on the court.

“They tried their hearts out and should be congratulated for that,” he said. 

“For the season I would like to thank all players that contributed Adam Marjoram as Captain, Jaidyn Goodwin, Matur Malauch, Kurt Northey, Todd Brownlow, Hayden Cox, Kobe Hunter, Mitch Gurney, Mitch Brain and American import Terrence Durham,” he said. 

“It was a good season for a small country association stepping up against strong opposition.” 

Top scorers for Lithgow were: Jaidyn Goodwin 33, Terrence Durham 27 and Michael Cox 20.

For Tamworth: Scott Mcgann 17 and Rashanti Harris 15.