Orange clad Ben Monckton from Woody’s put the first points on the board before a quick response from Michael McCulloch from the Glen Artney team evened things up.

The ball movement was fast paced and end-to-end as both teams worked hard on court to either set up scoring opportunities or limit their rivals opportunities to get a clear shot at the basket.

Glen Artney’s gladiators fought valiantly to suppress the enthusiasm from Woody’s, racking up attempt after attempt at points, but they were constantly thwarted by an extremely uncooperative hoop that just seemed to keep spitting the ball out.

Woody’s warriors were finding the opposite end more user-friendly, especially Monckton who dug deep to sink a three point buzzer-beater bringing the half time score to 22-7.

The white team are sponsored by Glen Artney Trucks who are “the best truck and bus mechanical repair in Tamworth” as we were enthusiastically told by players.

Their competition were the orange team sponsored by Neil Wood Bulldozing, a local earth-moving contractor who is also a valuable member of the Thunderbolts family.

No 7 Konnah Dixon from Glen Artney came out fighting with a three pointer to start off the second half and began the white team’s fightback.

Robust defense from both teams kept the scores at a steady climb rather than skyrocketing one team to victory.

Both teams had impressive cheer squads, but no one could match Amiah who cheered on Daddy, Bernard Dubois, in the Woody’s squad.

It was also nice to see the family support echoed by the Luckey family who are seen cheering whichever member of the family happens to be playing at the time, and that could be either junior or senior.

The final score saw only a 10 point difference demonstrating the pressure Glen Artney was able to put on their rivals in the second half.

The State League Women have their first away games this weekend.

They will be playing three games at the central venue of Minto competing against teams from Wagga Wagga, Goulburn and St George.

This will be a huge weekend for our ladies and we hope that it all goes well for them and their coach, Brad.

Also on the road this weekend are our State League Men, who have a game against the Central Coast Crusaders at Gosford.

Good luck to John and his Thunderbolt Gents.

The huge double header is only two weeks away and we are starting the count down early in anticipation.

May 6 is going to be a legendary night at the Sports Dome, and the perfect time to see Tamworth’s best in action. All are welcome.

Doors will open at 3.30pm and will close when the Bolts bring down the roof on their competition in both games!