FORMER champions Binns United scored their first win of the tournament after defeating Barbican by a close and exciting 150–148 scoreline in the 2022 Winners Domino Christmas League played at 25 Shortwood Road on Sunday.

Needing to win to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the semis, Binns United started well, outscoring their opponents for most of the first half and leading 77-74 at the break.

In the second half Binns United upped the tempo and dominated their opponents, and at one stage during the contest they led by as many as 19 points (121-102) over the Barbican team and seemed poised for an easy victory.

However, the home team made a few changes to their side and Barbican began to stage a rally and immediately cut into Binns United’s lead significantly. Both teams traded the lead in the closing stages of the match, much to the delight of the cheering home crowd.

With the scores tied at 148 the Binns United players held their nerve and pulled off a dramatic win by two points in the end.

Binns United’s Bird Eye and Bugzie were named the most outstanding players of the match for scoring a game-high 42 points.

It was the second-straight defeat for Barbican after losing 127–150 to Olympic in their previous game at home.

The first half was very competitive, as both teams ended the half locked at 75 points each. However, the second half was not as exciting as the first as the visitors stepped up their game and the home team could not match them.

The pair of Peter and Charley of the Olympic Team were named most outstanding players for scoring 44 points in the match.

With both defeats Barbican has no chance of qualifying for the next round but Olympic stayed in contention for a semi-final spot.

— Ruddy Allen