British Wheelchair Basketball League – Sports report    1/12/2019

It was a day of mixed emotions and results for the Bears, who played their last set of home fixtures for 2019 and also their last games at what has been their home venue for the last 10 years.  With the sale of the sports centre in Henley-in-Arden to Wasps Rugby Club, the Bears will have to find themselves a new venue to call home.

Division One South

Bears 2: 22

Thames Valley Kings: 61

This was going to be a very tough task for the Bears 2 team, who were missing a number of their starting line up. The number of absentees forced coach Robinson to call up a number of players from the Division 3 side that had just finished their own fixture.  The substitute players included the impressive junior pair, Ellan Fraser and Kyle Jackson alongside veteran Adrian Taber and Vasileios Takis.

From the tip off the enthusiastic and young Thames Valley side applied the pressure, playing a strong pressing game to limit the Bears at their basket, whilst taking full advantage of their superior speed and converting it effectively into scoring opportunities at the Bears basket. With limited attacking options available, the Bears soon fell behind. Despite all the endeavours of both the juniors and veteran players, the Bears continue to fall further away from the Kings, who took the game in convincing manner.

After the game Coach Robinson said  “Today was a tough day at the office. But our guys and girls played with great heart today, which is always difficult when facing such dominant opposition. Special thanks goes to the Bears 3 players who played 2 games back to back and made valuable contributions.“

Division 3 Central/South East

Bears 3:40

Thames Valley Kings 2: 34

In the first game of the day, Bears 3 fought their way to a narrow win over Thames Valleys second team to maintain their unbeaten status this season.  With their outstanding young stars making an impact at both ends of the court, the Bears were able to see the game out with the narrowest of points difference and hold onto their unbeaten record.

After the game Coach, Dan Smith said “Bears 3 took a narrow victory over Thames Valley Kings today keeping their winning streak alive. Fantastic work put in by all but a special shout out to our junior players Ellen Fraser and Kyle Jackson.”.