Warwickshire Bears 67

London Thunder 32

The Bears secured third place in Sunday’s game against London Thunder and set up a thrilling finale for this Sunday’s game, against London Titans, to decide who finishes in second spot and qualify for this season’s national playoffs.  Bears coach Masterson said after the game “Once again I can’t really express how proud I am of this bunch.  To gain successive promotion for two years and to finish at least third in the first division in our very first time in this division is a major achievement to the players at the club.    This result has set up a fantastic game next Sunday, and although Titans are the favourites to win, we will give it everything, like we always do.”

From the start of Sunday’s game, the Bears took control, playing a strong determined defence which limited Thunder to only 10 points, whilst Ben Haigh and Jacob Robinson, soon found their shooting range and helped Bears to an early lead with the scores at the end of the quarter Bears 19 – 10 London Thunder.

The experienced Thunder team came out fighting in the second quarter tightening their defence on Robinson and Haigh, but Ian Beach and Dan Gill, took over the scoring duties and were able to help the Bears go even further in front with the scores at the halftime break Bears 35 – 20 London Thunder.

The third quarter was all about the Bears offence, as Thunder played a tough strong defense, whilst running the floor quickly and scoring heavily into the Thunder basket to establish a strong lead: Bears 55 – 26 London Thunder.

With the game virtually won, the Bears used the opportunity to give valuable court time to their bench and were able to win the quarter and finish the game with the scores Bears 67 – 32 London Thunder.

Third Division South & West

Warwickshire Bears 2: 46

Aces W.B.C. 32 

The Bears 2.finished their league season and kept their 100% record with a win against a determined and strong Aces team.  The Bears took the lead early at the start of the game but were pushed all the way with Aces Player Leanna Adams playing a storming game for Aces and always keeping them within touch, especially assisted by Aces MVP Charlotte Thornton.  The Bears were able to pull away with Neil Bunting, Scott Webster and Bears MVP Dan Gill all getting double figures on the score sheet.

Coach Masterson said after the game “That finishes off a fantastic season for the Bears 2 and now they have the national playoffs to look forward to.  To finish top and go unbeaten for the season is a fantastic achievement, especially against the level of opposition they have had to face this season.”