British Wheelchair Basketball League – Sports report

25^th/26^th May 2018

National Championship Play-Offs Division 1 Semi Final

The Bears once again featured at this seasons National Play-offs, after Bears second team qualified after finishing second place in 2^nd Division South and winning promotion to the B.W.B’s Division 1 League for next season.  The First game of the weekend was a semifinal game against Lancashire Bulldogs who finished in first place in B.W. B’s Division 2 North league.

Lancashire Bulldogs: 63

Bears 2: 69

The Bears won a place in the weekend’s final by the slightest of margins, in what turned out to be one of the games of this years finals.

The first half of this thrilling game was an end to end scoring feast, with neither team being able to take any advantage.  Bears leading scorers Daz Peasley, Mohammed Ayub and Harry Draper were in great form but were continually matched by Bulldogs Baines and Johnson.  The Bears going into the break with a short lead of   Bulldogs 30 – 34 Bears.

The second half was more intense than the first with both teams again going basket for basket. With no team able to take any substantive advantage in the scores.  Both teams sharing the lead all the way to the final minutes of a tense and enjoyable game. The Bears were able to pull slightly away from the Bulldogs with only minutes left on the clock and to hold out to the final buzzer, and secure a place in the final. Bulldogs 63 – 62 Bears.

After the game Coach Masterson said “Wow what a game!  That was such an intense game, and it’s a shame for any team to lose.   I have to give a special mention to our ladies Aimee Lane and especially young Ellan Fraser who both were exceptional and came in and did a fantastic job to help with us winning today. Also, Harry Draper who did an amazing job and is improving every game he plays”

National Championship Play-Offs Final

Bears: 52

North Wales Knight: 65

The first half was once again a really tense end to end game in the final of the Division 2 gold medal game.  The Knights playing a full course press and targeting the Bears main threat Daz Peasley having to put two players to try and stop him, the Bears were made to work hard for any scores they made, whilst the Knights were able to call upon the experience of player coach Mike Hayes and on their impressive junior players Wilson and Ravenscroft.  The scores at the half time break giving the Knights the slightest of leads Bears: 23 – 27 :Knights.

The second half was a major turning for the game with the full court press the Knights applied finally taking affect on the Bears, who were unable to free up the influential Peasley, whilst at the same time being unlucky with the chances they made.  The Knights players Wilson punishing the Bears with his outstanding shooting display that pulled the Knights into a demanding lead, which the Bears were not able to overcome and the Knights were able to hold onto the lead and finish champions.  The final score Bears: 52 – 65: Knights.

After the game coach Masterson said “Congratulations to Knights on a well-deserved victory today. We played our hearts out today and I’m so proud of our team who gave everything.  All three players who were called up were amazing this weekend and highlights how we are always looking to push our players to play at higher levels.”