This weekend saw the Big Tall Order Bristol Academy Flyers take on Manchester Magic. A poor start from the home side gave Magic the opportunity they needed to pull ahead in the game. Unfortunately, a strong second half performance came too late in the game and could not stop the Flyers losing 85-93 at home against Manchester Magic.

The Flyers team started poorly and Manchester capitalised with a 14-5 run to go up by nine points in the first four minutes of the game. Despite efforts by Bristol’s Greg Streete and Brody Bishop the Manchester team retained the lead 29-19 at the end of the first period.

Flyers tried to pick up their game in the second period, but again Magic had the answers, and extended their lead by two, leaving the Flyers trailing 38 - 50 at halftime.

A reformed Flyers team took the court for the second half and with five quick points by Grazioli and Streete the lead went down to seven. Manchester, relentless with their attack saw Adu and Gill restore order with two free throws each, taking the score to 54-43.

Gill and Kimbrough continued causing trouble to the Flyers defence and helped Magic secure a 16-point lead at the end of the third period.

A basket by Kimbrough at the start of the fourth gave Manchester their biggest lead in the game 72-54. It looked like the Magic would easily secure a win, however, a Bristol run fuelled by flyers big man John Grazioli and Canadian guard Brody Bishop saw the West Country team trailing by only eight points with four minutes left in the game. A three by Bishop brought victory within reach. Unfortunately, the Flyers left their comeback too late and Stefan Gill’s free throws sealed the victory for Manchester 85-93.

The Flyers Coach Andreas Kapoulas did not hide his disappointment: “It was a very disappointing game for us, we didn’t deserve to win. We had a really poor start and did not follow our game plan. We played better after the break, especially in the fourth period where we outscored Magic 31 to 23. I am expecting all our players to raise their intensity. We are not good enough to be complacent, we need to play hard from the first minute of a game.”

Flyers make the longest journey of the season this weekend as they travel North to Tees Valley Mohawks.

Flyers last game before Christmas sees top of the table Reading visit Filton College’s WISE Campus on Saturday December 20th, 7pm tip.

For more information or tickets contact Danny James, email: danny.james@filton.ac.uk or telephone: 07747487914