Worthing Thunder will not be making a drama out of their wasted trip to North London Lords.

Thunder turned up at Harrow Leisure Centre last Sunday for an NBL Trophy match and found the court unfit for action.

The baskets were unsafe and there was water on the floor.

Thunder were duly awarded victory which left them needing to win at Ealing tonight to clinch a home quarter-final on Saturday, November 24.

Coach Gary Smith was happy to write off last Sunday's outing and reflect on Saturday's stunning display at home to Westminster.

The visitors, who had caused Thunder problems in the first meetting last month, were blitzed 70-29 in the first half and eventually lost 115-66.

Smith said: "That is how I expect us to play.

"We scored 70 in the first half. That's a hell of a lot of points."

Paul Mundy-Castle dislocated a finger and Gaylon Moore strained his back so Smith was happy to see them spared action the following afternoon.

He said: "There was supposed to be an under-20 match there beforehand and that was cancelled as well.

"They tried to get it ready but the baskets weren't padded and they weren't spring-backed.

"If someone had gone for a dunk the basket would have snapped. It was dangerous."

North London are one of the Division One sides who have been allowed into the Trophy this season.

Smith added: "These things happen. They are a decent bunch of guys but it's all new to them at this level."

Bognor Pirates coach Dave Goss admitted it was back to the drawing board after their 85-53 mauling by previously winless Swindon Sonics. Goss said: "We badly let ourselves down, making some crass errors and losing our discipline."

Brighton Cougars have a bye in the Shield this week and no game next weekend. Cougars lost 81-66 at Bristol Tonight: Ealing v Worthing (Trophy 8.00).

Tomorrow: Barking v Bognor (Shield 5.30).

November 3: Inter-basket v Worthing (Trophy 8.00), Thames Valley v Bognor (Div 2S).