Barrows Thorns 61

Kendal Warriors 64

Cumbria Basketball League

KENDAL Warriors went joint top of the league after a narrow 64-61 triumph saw Barrow Thorns lose on home turf for the first time in more than three years.

Recent games have seen Kendal concede straight after opening the scoring, but the Warriors were keen to avoid that as Phillip Mason hit two baskets to put his team into an early lead.

The Warriors’ defence lived up to their reputation as the best in the league as they thwarted countless attacks from the Thorns.

As the game progressed, Kendal’s offence began to dominate play, as Gareth France and Kevin Mason both shone.

Kendal’s defence remained strong as Keith McInnes continued to out-muscle the Barrow players, and Matt Basedow controlled the offense under increasing pressure.

As the game entered the final quarter, Barrow increased their defensive pressure causing a lack in Kendal’s scoring. The Warriors remained calm though, and hit back on the counter when Mike Smith hit a three-pointer and Phil Mason scored two baskets in quick succession.

A couple of Barrow baskets towards the end were not enough for the Furness side to come back, and a victorious Kendal ended Barrow’s impressive undefeated streak at home.