Vikings (2) kicked off the 2025-2026 season at home against the Horsforth Hustlers (2).

Vali Moldovan, Jonathan Wetherley, Stefan März, Μatt Theakstone, Anthony Holdsworth all returned from the previous season and were joined by new signings Jacob Cosquer, Jamie McMullen and Mark Strage.

Horforth Hustlers scored the first basket to opening up the scoring before Jacob Cosquer scored his first basket for the Vikings (on his way to 10 points) in the 2nd minute. Hustlers responded quickly. With another quick respone Vikings went on a 15 - 4 run for the remainder of the quarter to win the first quarter 17 - 8.

With the start of the second quarter Mark Strage extended the lead by hitting a big 3, for his first ever Vikings points. Vikings continued to build and in the first 5 minutes managed to expand the lead to 19 points, with Jamie McMullen also scoring to give him his first Vikings points as well. Horsforth switched their line up playing with 2 of their quick guards on the perimeter and 2 of their centers (both above 6'9) at the same time. The combination of speed and height caused the Vikings real problems and the second half of the second quarter was dominated by the Hustlers behind their 13 - 2 run. The quarter of two halfs ended 15-14 in favour of the away team and the half time score was 31 - 23 for Vikings.

Having now gained momentum the Hustlers continued with their strong play led by their two guards. Vikings tried to counter but struggled and lost the third quarter 14 - 8.

Going into the final quarter Vikings still held on to a 2 point lead. Horsforth started the 4th strong as well going on a 6 - 0 run in the first 3 minutes to go ahead with 4 points. Eventually the quick line up employed Vikings managed to click and the continued hustle led to the team fighting back and going on a 6 - 0 run for the next 3 minutes to go back ahead. Then Hustlers managed to draw a foul (made 1 of 2) and score another basket to tie the game. Vikings went back with a bit of height and took control of the game in the last minute behind two difficult baskets by Vali Moldovan and a basket by Jonathan Wetherley. With those clutch shots and some clutch defensive efforts (especially by Matt Theakstone), Vikings managed to beat a tough Horsforth Hustlers team.

Game MVP: Jonathan Wetherley

Notes: Matt Theakstone played a great all round game especially on the defensive end. All 3 newcomers managed to score their first points for the club in their first game contributing across the board.