British Wheelchair Basketball League – Sports report    6/1/2019

The Bears started the year on a high as both Bears 2 and 3 played out their 2019 inaugural fixtures to two impressive wins.  Bears 2 were up against Aces 2 for the first time this season and Bears 3 welcomed Cobras 2 to the Bears home following a narrow win against the side before the Christmas break.

Division 2 South

Bears 2: 63

Sussex Bears: 25

The Bears got off to a great start, running up an early lead with Coach Peasley leading the charge to the opposing basket. The Bears played a tough defence to limit the Aces in their half and finish the quarter with the scores Bears 2:14 – 6 Aces

With the early lead established, Coach Peasley was able to introduce Aaron Grant who once again impressed by helping the Bears to pull further ahead; building a commanding lead by the end of the half. Bears 2: 27 – 12 Aces.

The Bears ramped up the pace of their defence in the third quarter, with Aaron Grant making great in-roads at the Aces basket and Theo Pilkington making a number of fast break baskets to help the Bears pull even further away. Bears 47 – 21 Aces.

The last quarter saw Coach Peasley introduce Ellan Fraser to make her second team debut.  The Bears also had women’s team captain, Aimee Lane in fine form to help the Bears see out the rest of the game comfortably with the scores at the final buzzer Bears 63 – 25 Aces.

After the game, Bears 2 coach Daz Peasley said “ Great to get the New Year off with a win and pleased we played so well that we were able to get some minutes for our impressive juniors Aaron and Ellan.  It shows the ethos of this club with pushing our juniors and giving them the opportunity to play at higher levels”

Third Division Central

Bears 3: 58

Leicester Cobras 2: 23

Earlier in the day Bears 3 with a convincing win when they faced Leicester Cobras in the return leg of the league fixtures.  The Bears 3 side comprised a number of junior and women’s team players, who’s experience aided in the maintaining of a comfortable lead throughout the game.  With all the players earning their place on the scoresheet, the game turned out to be an impressive opener for the 2019 leg of the season. Bears 3 58 –23 Cobras 2.

After the game Coach Dan Smith said  “ Great team performance from all today. First game from Jack Sheehy this year scoring some great baskets. Also returning today saw Liz Grinnell play her first game since surgery.  Very pleased with everyone today”