Worthing Thunder were today warned they can expect no semi-final gifts from a quicksilver Santa.

London Capitals point guard Santa Ataha scorched Thunder for 44 points playing for London United last season.

He leads London Capitals this year as they bid to score a massive upset against regular season champions Thunder in the semi-finals of the EBL division one play-offs.

The sides meet in the capital today (6pm) and back at Worthing next Saturday for the right to take on Manchester or Reading in the final in Newcastle on April 29.

Thunder should be big favourites but assistant coach Alan Sweetman-Hicks is wary.

He said: "Capitals are a dangerous team, particularly on their home court.

"Santa Ataha is probably the quickest guard in the league, and although he has not really fired in the earlier match-ups, we all remember that he burned us for 44 points whilst with London United last year.

"Marlo and Marcus Saunders have caused us problems in all the games, and Marcus seems to have come into his own at the end of the season."

Thunder have not had a game since their unconvincing semi-final defeat of Solent two weeks ago.

Alfredo Ott totalled 53 points in the two previous semi wins over Capitals, though Thunder will hope they have the extra depth to see off the Londoners.

Sweetman-Hicks added: "We need to get focussed on the task in hand and ensure that there are no slip ups ahead of the second leg next week