Titans on right path

READY FOR TIP-OFF: Oldham Titans basketball team. Pictured are Mark Hamilton (back row, left, coach), Zac Allen, Connor Gent, Robert Mubiru, Aiden Kelly, Aaron Graham. Andy Seed (front row, left), Luke Marston, Ed Bradley, Alex Salmon, Michael Stansfield. PICTURE: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

BASKETBALL: OLDHAM Titans took plenty of positives out of defeat against Tees Valley Mohawks IIs at the Ball Hall.

The men’s team, who are playing in Division Four North of the England Basketball League for the first time, were beaten 70-54 in only their second competitive match together.

Titans were to the fore in the first quarter, establishing a six-point advantage with all five starting players finding the basket at least once.

And it was similar story in the opening stages of the second quarter.

However, Titans were unable to maintain their momentum and the Mohawks hit back to grab a 31-24 lead with several three-point shots.

The home side, beaten by Hull in the first game of the season, hit the ground running at the start of the second half, but again their opponents gradually got on top and had increased the gap by a another eight points with only one quarter remaining.

It looked grim for Titans at this stage, but they refused to throw in the towel.

They showed great spirit to score 16 points to Mohawks’ 17 and can reflect on a display which bodes well for the future.

The Titans are next in action at home against Bradford Dragons IIs on Saturday, October 22.

For further information on Oldham Titans, email oldhamtitans@hotmail.co.uk