Worthing Thunder blaze a trail at Derby to reach final

Thunder travelled to the East Midlands full of hope for the semi-final – the prize a place in the final against old rivals Hemel Storm in December.

Thunder were to be tested physically but this new-look side resisted and after 40 minutes of enthralling basketball came through victorious.

In the first ten minutes the Trailblazers taking a big early lead and with just under four minutes remaining they led by 12.

Thunder dug in with Orlan Jackman adding to the defence, making life more difficult for the holders.

Good all-round attacking play by Thunder saw them gradually get back into the game and with the first break approaching Derby's lead had shrunk to just 27-23.

The second period started at frenetic pace. Derby were making life difficult for Thunder with a combination of skilful basketball and tough physical play.

Thunder have a stiff backbone and stood their ground with Ronald Blain, Hafeez Abdul, Kemel Archer and the ever-active David Moya keeping the home defence at full stretch.

Thunder gradually pulled the game round and as the halfway break arrived the Southerners led 49-47.

The third period was a bad 10 minutes for Thunder.

Derby pulled into a 10-point lead with Thunder struggling to contain experienced forwards Raheem May-Thompson and Malcolm Smith.

Thunder hung on and as the final break arrived the home side held an eight-point lead.

With just over six minutes left Derby led 81-77 but it swung Thunder’s way as Andre Arrisol became unstoppable as the deficit became a Thunder lead.

Andre ran the game and five treys and six frees saw Thunder take command to run out convincing 96-87 winners.

This victory was a full team effort but the final burst by Andre was outstanding.

On Saturday Thunder are at home to London Lions 2 (7.30pm) then on Sunday they’re away to Loughborough Riders (6pm).