The first local derby of the year was set to become an interesting accounts. With both teams having revamped their rosters, with Warriors having the biggest change, by adding York Vikings 2023-2024 Prem Team MVP Jake Butler to their team. Both teams started the season strong, which meant an exciting match up.

After a good start for the Warriors, leading 8 - 5 after the first 4 minutes, the Vikings behind Lloyd Bickerstaffe's (4 three pointers in the first quarter) went on a 15 - 2 run over the next 4 minutes. Warriors manage to get a few points back in the last couple of minutes for the quarter to end 21 - 15 in favour of the Vikings.

The 2nd quarter was pretty much the reverse of the first, with Vikings starting the first 4 minutes with 5 - 2 before the Warriors went on a 12 - 2 run for the next 4 minutes. Vikings managed to claw back a few points in the last couple of minutes, for the second quarter to be won by Warriors 20 - 14 and the game to be tight 35 a piece at half time.

The second half saw the Warriors come on court with renewed energy going on a 9 - 2 run for the first 6 minutes of the quarter. The Vikings struggled to get their offence going, against a very intense and physical defence. However, Vikings managed to increase their intensity and a lot of the last 4 minutes of the quarter were at the free throw line. The home team managed to close the gap down to 4 points.

With the start of the 4th quarter a couple of good possessions and Vikings managed to have the game tight at 51 each, in the 3rd minute of the last quarter. However, the team did not manage to maintain their defensive intensity and the Warriors managed to score near the basket, whilst throwing the Vikings offence off. Additionally, Vikings made several uncharacteristic unforced turnovers during that span allowing the the visiting team to close out the quarter on a 14 - 4 run to take the first game.

Game MVP: Lloyd Bickerstaffe

Note: Darren Taylor, one of the original Vikings and current team head coach, became the 7th player to have played 50 games for the club since 2019.