Team 1 played their first game of 2024 on Thursday hosting Leeds Demons 1, the team above them in the standings.

Right from the beginning the game started with a high pace and tough physical defence. Something that continued throughout the entire game. The Vikings employed a 3-2 zone defence with the back two also helping to close out the Demons sharp shooters. This helped put pressure on Demons shooters and get some steals, while at the same time the Leeds team managed to outrebound the home team. Vikings managed to eke out a 16-15 score after the first quarter.

With the start of the second quarter the York team managed to improve their rebounding and limit the Demons second chances. A few quick baskets allowed the Vikings to go on an early 6 - 0 run, before Demons scored in the 4th minute. The home team held on to the lead generated early in the quarter and won the quarter by 7 points for a half time score of 34 - 26.

With a quick 3 for the start of the second half, Vikings managed to get their largest lead of the game. However, Demons quickly responded with even tighter man to man defence forcing a number of turnovers. A couple of quick small runs, allowed Demons to get back into the game and win the third quarter and make it a 5 point game going into the 4th quarter.

With the start of the last quarter the Demons went on a 10 - 0 run, employing a press, physical defence and forcing turnovers. Demons now were ahead by 5 points, before Vikings managed to score in the 4th minute. Demons scored another 4 points extending their lead to 7 with 5 minutes to go. With both team vying for the win, Vikings managed to close the lanes to the basket, while Demons were pressuring to stop the come back, which however led to a number of fouls. Vikings accuracy from the free throw line was already low and although they managed to get to the line frequently in the last 5 minutes, they only slowly chipped away at the lead. The Leeds Demons held on to the lead until the last 40 seconds of the game when a David Avery basket gave Vikings a 1 point lead. Vikings managed to get a stop on a subsequent Demons offense, but then the away team managed to get a steal with 6 seconds left. Tom Marks realizing that Demons had an opportunity to fast break fouled. Due to new rules, however that meant an unsportsmanlike foul and Demons went to the line for two free throws. However, both free throws were missed. Demons quickly inbounded, but turned the ball over. As Vikings were trying to get the ball quickly up the court, Demons also tried to stop the clock, but this too was deemed an unsportsmanlike foul. Tom Marks, converted 1 of 2, With 1 second on the clock and possession, Vikings secured a hard fought win against a tough opponent.

Notes: Despite the pace of the game it was the lowest scoring game of the season for Team 1. David Avery had a season high 10 points. The 30 free throws awarded were a season high, but Vikings only converted 11 (37%) of them.

Andy Capes run of consecutive double digit games ended at 26, which is only one short of the Vikings record of 27 consecutive double digit games. That record is also held by Andy Capes.