ROSSENDALE Raptors lost a tight home game to the high flying Northants Thunder on Saturday 97-93 despite a furious second half comeback.

The game was slightly overshadowed by the departure of head coach Jim Fry, who has been coaching at the Raptors for the last four years. It was a difficult week as the Raptors had to restructure slightly in order for Ken Masser to coach the team in the short term while the club seek a permanent replacement.

Northants jumped out to an early lead after a long journey. However, the Raptors played together well to finish the quarter strongly and with a slender 24-20 lead.

The second quarter was where the Raptors saw themselves under significant pressure as the Thunder showed their pace and athleticism, scoring easily on the fast break as the Raptors struggled to respond.

Raptors made some technical adjustments in the second half and managed to slow down the Thunder, winning the quarter 19-15 and closing the gap to nine. In the fourth quarter the Raptors really dug deep, contesting everything against the younger, fitter Thunder. Some big shots from Steven Gayle and Kieran Forsythe got the Raptors back into it 76-74 with just over five minutes left.

The scoreline swung back and forth in the last five minutes, and with 15 seconds remaining Raptors trailed 93-90.

Aitor Estrada was then fouled with 10 seconds to go as he attempted a three point shot. He scored all three of his foul shots to tie the game.

But the Raptors then committed a foul and the Thunder scored both of their free throws. With seven seconds remaining Gayle dribbled up the court, passed to Estrada who narrowly missed a three point shot, and the Thunder took the game 97-93.

After an exciting end to end encounter, Masser said: “I was really proud of the players, they’ve had a tough week, and they responded really well. From being 20 down we fought back well, and put ourselves in a position to win, but it wasn’t our day. We’ll continue to improve and hope to be in the mix at the business end of the season.”

Of coach Fry, Masser explained: “It’s a very sad day for the club. Jim is one of the nicest, most genuine and charismatic figures in the game. He is a close personal friend and I hope we will be able to work together again in the future. His work with the Raptors has been unbelievable and his commitment unquestionable.

“He will be sorely missed.

“We will now have to assess our options over the next few weeks with a view to identifying a head coach to continue to move the club forwards in the longer term.”

The Raptors face Nottingham away on Saturday, and Hull away on Sunday before returning for the next home game on November 17.