York Vikings 1 had their first game of the season against local rivals Jorvik Warriors 1. This is the first time the first teams of both clubs faced each other in a league game.

Vikings wanted to make a strong start to the season, but was well aware of the difficult task ahead with Warriors having former Vikings player Jake Butler in the line up. The Vikings had 3 new players (Ka Hei Tse, Charlie McNichol and Richard Baister) debut for the team. Ali Lyons also made a return after missing the previous season, while Pat Mackle returned for his first game in 10 months after suffering a serious injury.

The Warriors drew first blood, but Jonny Copley answered quickly and went on a personal scoring run for the Vikings of 8 points against only 2 from Warriors in 3 minutes. Warriors starting attacking the basket and took back the lead before Pat Mackle scored a 3 to tie the game again. Jorvik went on another 7-0 run for 2 minutes before Ali Lyons scored 5 points to give Vikings 16 points for the quarter. Warriors scored another 2 and made their 1st quarter score 17.

Warriors started the second quarter off with a 3 pointer, but once again Vikings got it back and the team put together a strong quarter behind a balanced scoring effort. Charlie McNichol also scored his first points for the Vikings. The 2nd quarter ended 22 - 15 for the home team, making a half time score of 38 - 32 for the Vikings.

The away team started the second half strong going on a 10 - 4 run in the first 5 minutes to tie the game at 42 a piece. However, a switch to a zone defence and an offence led by Ali Lyons (9 points) meant the Vikings took the 2nd half of the quarter 16 - 5. Ka Hei Tse closed out the quarter with his first points for Vikings. Vikings won the quarter 20 - 15.

With 11 points ahead the Vikings knew that the Warriors would fight back. Vikings kept their composure and even expanded the lead to 13 points with 2 minutes left. However, a switch to a press by the away team and some uncharacteristic turnovers by Vikings allowed the Warriors to get within 2 points and 14 seconds remaining. Vikings tried to run down the clock while Warriors were trying to stop the clock by fouling. They had to commit a couple of fouls to get to team fouls. As a result only a couple of seconds were left and Jonny Copley hit 1 of 2 free throws to make it a 3 point game. A long desperation three by Warriors missed and Vikings took the victory.

Game MVP: Ali Lyons

Notes: Ali Lyons 25 points and 4 3PM were both career high with Vikings. Jonny Copley's 4 3 PM tied his career high with Vikings.