Swindon Shock 45

Warwickshire Bears 76

It was a busy Bank holiday weekend for the Bears Wheelchair Basketball Club.  On Saturday, the Bears hosted a friendly game against Shropshire Warriors in remembrance of Luke Parker, a former player for both the Bears and Shropshire Warriors.  Many former team mates and friends of Luke Parker came to pay their respects, a year after he lost his brave battle against cancer.  The following day the Bears travelled to Swindon to play Swindon Shock, the team they lost to in last season’s national play-off final.

The Bears took a strong team with them and from the tip off were hungry to play, following a lengthy lay off from competitive games.  The first quarter was a slow start for the Bears who, although getting good shots at Shock’s basket, couldn’t seem to convert the shots. Shock took full advantage of Bears slow start and used their fast break game effectively to get into an early lead.  The Bears suddenly kicked their slow start and turned the game around, with Siobhan Fitzpatrick and Jacob Robinson on a scoring spree that took the Bears into a comfortable lead at the end of the first quarter Swindon Shock 11 – 21 Bears.

The second quarter was again all about the Bears offence as they pulled further in front and limit Shocks main threat Macauley Tomlinson to only distant shots. Bears’ Dan Gill had a MVP game and Derek Hall found his range at the basket, the Bears went into the half time break with a healthy lead – Swindon Shock 23 – 41 Bears.

The second half saw the Bears use their strong bench and, with all players hungry after a long absence from competitive games, all came on and got on the scoresheet.  The Bears going further out in front and winning the game with final scores Swindon Shock 45 – 76 Bears.

After the game Coach Masterson said “ It was good to finally get some game time in for the team today.  Although Swindon were unfortunate to be missing some of their team, they were still a threat with Macauley Tomlinson playing, but I think the team managed him well whilst taking full advantage of their opportunities.”