The Advocate

Articles posted by The Advocate newspaper. The Advocate is our regions paper covering the entire north-west coast.

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder are still searching for answers after the final stages of Saturday night’s thrilling victory against Melbourne at Ulverstone were marred by an incident involving a laser beam from a member of the crowd. With his team trailing by one point, Tigers guard Billy […]

Foul play

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   North-West Thunder defeat Melbourne Tigers in SEABL match  A stirring last-quarter comeback has given the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder a memorable 94-92 win over Melbourne in Saturday night’s SEABL game at Ulverstone. After hanging tough with the hot-shooting Tigers and gaining a three-point advantage midway through the […]

Thunder tame Tigers

REBECCA MORRIS   THE ADVOCATE   North-West Tall Timbers Thunder will take on the Melbourne Tigers in the annual Todd Nothrop memorial fundraising match. Chairman Tony Barker said the match would be a great chance to remember someone who gave so much to the local basketball community.  “His family is still very […]

Thunder are ready for the annual Todd Nothrop memorial fundraising ...

JARRYD MCGUANE  THE ADVOCATE  A refreshed North West Tall Timbers Thunder side welcome the Melbourne Tigers to Ulverstone Sports and Leisure Centre for round 10 SEABL action on Saturday night. The Thunder entered the break sitting with a 7-5 record sitting in eighth place with eight more games in the regular season. […]

Thunder recharged for late season challenge

JARRYD MCGUANE  THE ADVOCATE  North West Tall Timbers Thunder and Wynyard guard Tre Armstrong is one step away from representing Australia after being selected for the Emus selection camp ahead of the FIBA Under 18 Asian Championships. Armstrong was the only Tasmanian chosen in the squad of 15 and will head to Basketball […]

Emus nod for Armstrong

ALEX FAIR  THE ADVOCATE   North-West Tall Timbers Thunder coach Sam Armstrong has praised the mental strength of his troops following Saturday night’s one-point triumph against Canberra in the nation’s capital. The Thunder collected a 67-66 over the win-less Gunners at Belconnen Basketball Stadium, one highlighted by an improved defensive effort after quarter-time […]

Capital result for the North-West Thunder in a thrilling win ...

JARRYD MCGUANE   THE ADVOCATE   North West Tall Timbers Thunder coach Sam Armstrong says his side will not underestimate the winless Canberra Gunners in the round 9 SEABL clash on Saturday night. The Thunder travel to Belconnen Basketball Stadium with a 5-5 record to sit just outside the top eight, while the […]

North West Tall Timbers Thunder wary of Gunners

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   Just when the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder looked like they had developed into a consistent team capable of beating the SEABL big boys, problems of old appear to have resurfaced at a crucial time of the season. That was the wash-up from the 92-78 loss to Ballarat on […]

Thunder strike past woes in loss to Miners

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   It will be all hands on deck for the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder at Ulverstone on Saturday night as they face their hardest test of the year against Ballarat. Currently sitting in ninth place on the SEABL ladder with a 5-4 record, Thunder coach Sam Armstong […]

North-West Thunder host Ballarat Miners in SEABL clash on Saturday ...

BRAD COLE  (@BJCole10)   THE ADVOCATE   Mason Bragg says his time at this week’s NBL Next Gen Camp was a confidence-boosting experience as he looks to get himself back on a NBL roster. The 24-year-old from Burnie spent Monday and Tuesday showing the eight NBL coaches what he can do on […]

NBL Next Gen Camp a confidence booster for North West ...

BRAD COLE  THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder have received a boost in their attempts to qualify for SEABL finals, receiving a win on forfeit against Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence. The COE players are heading to Italy to play in a NBA Global Camp Europe event from […]

Thunder receive free victory

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   If ever Mason Bragg wanted the ideal audition tape to take with him to Monday’s NBL Next Gen Camp, Saturday night’s performance to lead the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder to victory should be the first thing he packs. The point guard’s impressive haul of 35 points, 11 […]

North-West Thunder defeat Mount Gambier in SEABL clash

JARRYD McGUANE   THE ADVOCATE   North West Tall Timbers Thunder guard Tre Armstrong said he has began to feel more comfortable in the rotation as team prepared for Saturday night’s game against Mt Gambier at Devonport Basketball Stadium.  Armstrong has become a key piece in Sam Armstrong’s developing young […]

Tre Armstrong finding his feet for the Thunder

JARRYD MCGUANE   THE ADVOCATE   North West Tall Timbers Thunder coach Sam Armstrong was proud with the effort of his team despite giving up a 15-point three-quarter time lead in their 89-81 loss to the Dandenong Rangers on Saturday night. Playing in their second game in two days, the […]

Sam Armstrong not concerned by fade-out

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   A Mason Bragg-led late show has guided the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder to a dramatic 87-76 over Frankston in Friday night’s SEABL match at Ulverstone. After leading for the majority of the first three quarter, the Thunder’s offence spluttered to a halt in the […]

Thundering home

BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   Taking care of business at home will be the first point of order for the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder on Friday night as they embark on a unique block of two games. Following the clash with the Blues at Ulverstone, Sam Armstrong’s team will head to […]

North-West Take on Frankston Blues and Dandenong Ranger in SEABL ...

JARRYD MCGUANE   THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder will be stretched at the guard positions when they welcome an experienced Geelong Supercats to Devonport on Saturday night… Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn

Thunder depth to be tested in Devonport

JARRYD MCGUANE  THE ADVOCATE  The North West Tall Timbers Thunder will be targeting an improved offensive performance when they welcome the Sandringham Sabres to Ulverstone Basketball Stadium on Friday night, said Thunder coach Sam Armstrong… Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn

Sputtering Thunder looking for cohesion

ALEX FAIR  THE ADVOCATE  The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder’s road trip weekend was not one to remember after losses to Albury-Wodonga and Ballarat. The double-header started poorly with an 89-70 to Albury and things improved on Sunday, but not enough for a win, falling to Ballarat 79-75. The Thunder have now lost […]

Road woes for the North-West Thunder

JARRYD McGUANE   THE ADVOCATE  North West Tall Timbers Thunder coach Sam Armstrong said his team had plenty to work on following their frustrating 92-68 defeat at the hands of the Hobart Chargers at the Devonport Basketball Stadium on Saturday night. The NW Thunder had no answer for guard Tre […]

Thunder has work to do after Chargers defeat

Game of The Week – N/W Tall Timbers Thunder v Hobart Chargers Saturday 14 April- 7:30pm @ Schweppes Arena The Tasmanian intrastate rivalry reignites on Saturday night with the latest instalment in the series between the N/W Tall Timbers Thunder and Hobart Chargers. Both teams hosted Kilsyth in Round 1 […]

Men’s Round Two Preview

BRAD COLE – THE ADVOCATE    A stunning second-half turnaround has seen the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder open its 2018 SEABL season in thrilling style with a 72-70 win over Kilsyth at Ulverstone on Saturday night. Down by 18 points in the early stages of the third quarter, the Thunder […]

Thunder find antidote to counteract Cobras

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE  Development has been the key word in Darcy Malone’s basketball career of late.  But the 23-year-old centre is ready to put all his learning into action this SEABL season after being recruited by the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder…   Standing at seven foot tall, Malone fills […]

Darcy Malone to play key role for North-West Thunder in ...

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE   A desire to engage more of the community will see the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder return to the Devonport Recreation Centre for part of its 2018 SEABL campaign. Starting with the blockbuster intrastate clash with Hobart on April 14, the Thunder will play four […]

Devonport to host North-West Thunder for four SEABL games in ...

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE    North-West Tall Timbers Thunder import Jeremiah Ingram has capped off a fine debut season by taking out the club’s best and fairest award on Monday night. Winner: Jeremiah Ingram won the NW Thunder’s best and fairest award. Ingram polled 78 votes over the 24 games of […]

Jeremiah Ingram wins North-West Thunder best and fairest award

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder have had their season finished in the most heartbreaking of fashion, going down by just one point to Dandenong in Saturday night’s SEABL first semi-final. Ben Richmond was one of six players in double figure for the North-West Thunder, but […]

Heartbreak for Thunder in SEABL semi-final thriller

BY BRAD COLE   THE ADVOCATE   As the fortunes of the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder improved during the 2017 SEABL season, so have the confidence levels of big man Chudier Pal.  Brought in as part of a complete overhaul of the roster, Pal is the first to admit that he struggled […]

Chudier Pal a key piece in North-West Thunder’s SEABL semi-final

BY BRAD COLE    THE ADVOCATE    It might be the same opponent with the same players at the same venue, but North-West Tall Timbers coach Sam Armstrong is expecting a different-looking Dandenong when the two teams meet in their SEABL first semi-final on Saturday night. The Thunder pulled off a memorable […]

North-West Thunder set for SEABL semi-final showdown with Dandenong

BY SEABL SOUTH CONFERENCE SEMI-FINAL 2 Dandenong Rangers (16-8) v N/W Tasmania (13-11), Dandenong Stadium, 8.00pm Saturday, August 12 Form Equal to Ballarat and N/W Tasmania, Dandenong won three of their last four games of the season but a defeat at the hands of the Thunder in their final match […]

Southern Conference Semi Finals Preview – Men’s

 BY SEABL The dramas started on Friday night when the North-West Tasmanian Thunder were told their early morning flight was cancelled. They knew it would add a bus drive to their day and an afternoon flight from Launceston to Melbourne followed by a long ride across the city to Dandenong […]

SEABL Men – Round 18 Report

BY JARRYD McGUANE AND BRAD COLE  THE ADVOCATE     North-West Tall Timbers Thunder coach Sam Armstrong is confident his side can get the job done in Saturday’s semi-final against Dandenong, after coming away with the 108-97 win against the Rangers on Saturday night.  Despite an interrupted travel schedule that saw the […]

North-West Thunder primed for finals rematch with Dadenong

BY BRAD COLE  THE ADVOCATE   Travel woes can’t stop Thunder The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder have recorded one of the most memorable victories in the club’s history after defeating Dandenong 108-97 on Saturday night. While coming up against the south conference leaders was always going to be a test, the Thunder’s problem’s […]

North-West Thunder defeat Dandenong in SEABL clash

BY BRAD COLE   THE  ADVOCATE   There may be one round left in the regular season, but finals start on Saturday night for North-West Tall Timbers Thunder coach Sam Armstrong and his team when they head interstate to play Dandenong. Lone hand: Ahmad Starks had 33 points for the Thunder the last time […]

NW Thunder head to Dandenong for final SEABL roster game

The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder are finals bound after putting together one of its finest performances for the 2017 SEABL season. North-West Thunder guard Ahmad Starks had 23 points as his team booked a SEABL finals sport with a 112-73 win on the road over Bendigo. Picture: Cordell Richardson. In […]

Thunder make finals after smashing Braves

BY BRAD COLE  THE ADVOCATE    There maybe three games remaining in the 2017 SEABL roster season for the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder, but it’s the first one that is weighing heavily in the mind of coach Sam Armstrong. It comes on Saturday night in the regional Victorian city of Bendigo, where the […]

Win and win

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder may still be firmly in finals calculations, but a pronounced lift in standards is needed if it wants to mix with the SEABL elite according to coach Sam Armstrong. Bouncing: Ahmad Starks brings the ball down the court for the North-West Thunder […]

Thunder win but coach wants better

 BY CAMRON SLESSER (@camronslessor)  THE ADVOCATE   North-West Thunder play-maker Daniel Sepokas believes his side can’t let another opportunity slip ahead of its final home game of the season.  The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder will take on Canberra at Schweppes Arena this Saturday sitting in equal fourth position on the SEABL ladder with […]

North-West Thunder focused on booking finals spot ahead of Canberra ...

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE   For the second time this season the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder have been left embarrassed by its biggest SEABL rivals after Hobart scored an emphatic 88-65 victory at Ulverstone on Saturday night. Shining light on a dark night: Jeremiah Ingram gets two of his 24 points in […]

North-West Thunder suffer heavy SEABL loss to Hobart Chargers

BY CAMRON SLESSOR (@camronslessor) THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Thunder’s clash against their traditional rivals, the Hobart Chargers this Saturday will be a big occasion for the club on and off the court.  The highly anticipated SEABL match will also act as the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder’s annual fundraiser game for cancer […]

North-West Thunder’s clash against Hobart Chargers to honour Todd Nothrop

BY CAMRON SLESSOR (@camronslessor) THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder are ready to show their home fans just how far they’ve come this SEABL season when they take on rivals, the Hobart Chargers this Saturday. The Coastal side have stormed back into finals contention in recent weeks and come into […]

North-West Thunder have chance for redemption against Hobart Chargers

BY CAMRON SLESSER (@camronslessor) – THE ADVOCATE    The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder have thrust themselves back into finals contention with another standout performance on the road.  The Coastal side have been one of the in-form teams of the SEABL competition in the last month, headlined by coach Sam Armstrong being […]

North-West Thunder climb to fourth with wins over Albury-Wodonga and ...

BY HAMISH GEALE – THE EXAMINER  North West Tall Timber Thunder completed a dream away trip on Saturday night by edging out Kilsyth Cobras 84-80. Point guard Ahmad Starks starred in the nail-biting win, sinking 28 points as the Thunder just managed to hold on after leading by as many […]

Thunder hold on for tight Victory

BY BRAD COLE – THE ADVOCATE   The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder have bounced back from a poor third quarter to defeat Albury-Wodonga 88-80 in Friday night’s SEABL clash at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre. The visitors used a 25-16 second quarter to extend their two-point quarter-time lead into a handy […]

Thunder bounce back to grab vital win

BY CAMRON SLESSER (@camronslessor) THE ADVOCATE    You need to perform at your best consistently over four quarters to play finals at SEABL level.  That’s the opinion of North-West Tall Timbers Thunder captain Brad Simpson ahead of his side’s road trip to face Albury-Wondonga and Kilsyth this weekend.   The comment also follows […]

SEABL | Consistency the key for North-West Thunder

BY CAMRON SLESSER  THE ADVOCATE    The North-West Tall Timbers Thunder outscored Geelong by 15 points in the third term on Saturday night but have fallen just short of a remarkable win.  The Thunder went down to the Geelong Supercats at Schweppes Arena 85-92 in their round 13 clash but the deficit […]

SEABL | North-West Thunder show fight in loss to Geelong ...

BY CAMRON SLESSOR (@camronslessor ) THE ADVOCATE    The last time the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder played against Geelong it was one of their finest performances of the 2017 season.  But coach Sam Armstrong believes his side had to be prepared for a Supercats team looking for revenge. The Thunder travelled to Victoria […]

SEABL | North-West Thunder wary of veteran side as Geelong ...

BY CAMRON SLESSOR (@camronslessor ) THE ADVOCATE    Brady Armstrong’s recent form for the North-West Tall Timbers Thunder has showcased what impact the local brigade have had so far this SEABL season.  They may not play as many minutes as the starting five but Coastal talents in Armstrong, Kobe Jackson and Tre Armstrong have […]

SEABL | Armstrong having a big impact for the North-West ...

BY BRAD COLE THE ADVOCATE   While results on the court appear to be heading in the right direction, North-West Tall Timbers Thunder chairman Tony Barker said the club is in the midst of challenging times off it. A decline in crowds and sponsorship so far this season has resulted in the Thunder feeling some […]

Thunder feeling pinch off court