A double header weekend where they beat both the Port Macquarie Dolphins and Bellinger Valley Braves in Tamworth last weekend has the side in a positive frame of mind, coach John Ireland said.

The Thunderbolts beat the Dolphins 79-37 on Saturday night and then beat the Braves 104-75 on Sunday.

Defensive lapses were attended to from previous matches and that has Ireland thinking his side “can go deep into the State League season” if they continue that form.

The displays of Lawrance York were particularly pleasing.

“Lawrance was a massive standout on the weekend,” Ireland  said.

“I was really impressed by him in both games. 

“And young Max Chillingworth was great in offence and defence. 

“He’s really buying into what we are trying to do and improving his skills, something he can take back to his junior program and help make his teammates better as well.”

Meanwhile, Tamworth’s Corin Webster and Armidale’s Scott McGann are hitting the court with a new northern basketball venture.

The Northern All Stars recently made their debut after being formed to give talented athletes from the smaller associations across Northern NSW the opportunity to compete in the NSW Country Premier League (CPL).

Webster and McGann are both part of the 18s boys’ squad.

They’ve also entered an 18s girls’ squad, drawing on talent from Tamworth, Armidale, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Lismore, Port Macquarie and Taree.

The CPL games are a supplement to the Northern Junior League with the players all playing in that with their respective associations.

The first round of the CPL was held in Coffs Harbour in late March and, while neither All Stars side recorded a victory, they showed a lot of spirit and improved with each game.

McGann topped the scoring for the boys with 25 points from their three games.

Their first game against a strong Newcastle Hunters side saw the boys take time to adjust to playing together against a well-drilled Hunters team.

In their second match against the Maitland Mustangs, the All Stars started to find combinations and gave a good account of themselves. 

Their final game pitted them against the undefeated Gosford City Rebels. The All Stars played strongly before being overcome by a more-drilled Rebels side. 

The second round will be played in Minto on May 9 and 10 and will see the Northern All Stars playing the remaining sides from the Southern and Western areas of the state. 

The fledgling venture is particularly grateful for the support of Coastline Credit Union as the major sponsor.