Thunder prepare for biggest game of the season

The south-coast outfit have not had the best of seasons in the league, however, they have enjoyed a fantastic cup run, defeating Team Solent, Medway Park Crusaders, Westminster Warriors and Derby Trailblazers to reach the last four.

Thunder head coach Daniel Hildreth was in the Thunder team when they last reached a National cup final, back in 2008 when they lost to Manchester Magic, so the play-caller is well aware of the importance of the game.

He said: “This is undoubtedly our biggest game of the season. We’ve had a really tough deal in the National Cup, having to play three away games and a home game at a venue we hadn’t even seen prior to the contest. Now we face another long road trip to a well-disciplined side in Leeds, who have a very hard-working bunch of players.

“The mood in the camp is positive and we have a shot at doing something that nobody expected from us this year, which creates an even greater insensitive.”

Thunder guard Dominic Baker added: “I think it is fair to say that we shall not be competing for a top place in the league but to win a cup with a team that has never won before, having zero imports and most players under the age of 19, that’s something we can build on.

“I would like to thank the fans, they have been great all season, even when we have been losing, they still show up and support. I have no doubt that Worthing is the best place to play in the EBL, both as a club and with the great following. We want to give them a finals’ day.”

Thunder’s game with Leeds Carnegie tips off at 4pm at Leeds University.