18/3/2018

First Division South

Bears : 67

Leicester Cobras: 38

The Bears wheelchair basketball club defied the “Mini Beast from the East” on Sunday when they hosted their last set of home games for the current season.  The Bears teams were up against Leicester Cobras 1 and 2, and Hackney Sparrows, who braved the snow to travel to Henley-in-Arden.

In the Division 1 fixture for the day, Bears 1 were in a determined mood with Jacob Robinson found success at the home basket to put the Bears into an early lead.  After a quick time out the Cobras came back at the Bears to bring the score closer at the end of the quarter Bears 16 – 10 Cobras.

Cobras used the break in play to regroup and with their shooting guard Sho Ayub utilizing the chances he was presented with, the Cobras were able to pin back the Bears to only two baskets, with the scores between the two sides Bears 28 – 24 Cobras going into half time break.

At the start of the second half the Bears were able to shut down Sho Ayub and shore up the rest of their defence.  At the Cobras basket, Robinson again was on great shooting form whilst also being ably assisted by Ben Haigh and Dan Gill.  The Bears once again shot their way into a comfortable lead to go into the last quarter with the scores Bears 38 – 42 Cobras.

The final quarter again went to the Bears who now were on fine form. With Gill and Haigh adding to the score the Bears were able to see out the game comfortably, with the final score at the buzzer Bears 67 – 38 Cobras.

After the game Coach Masterson said  “ Have to congratulate and thank the Cobras squad who braved the journey from Leicester to play today and pushed us hard all the way to the end. Also have to give a special mention to Ben Haigh, who had to dig his way out of his road so he could be at today’s game and then played a fantastic game as well.”

Second Division South

Bears 2: 40

 Hackney Sparrows: 49

In an earlier 2^nd Division game, Bears 2 narrowly missed out on the win against Hackney Sparrows, who also braved the snow to make the trip for this weekend’s game.  In an end to end game the Sparrows were able to hold of a strong display from the Bears 2 outfit who are fighting relegation.

After the game coach Hall said “Really proud of the team today.  To push one of the title contenders so closely shows how well this team is improving.  We still have a few away games yet and with this form we may cause a few upsets.”

Third Division Central

Bears 3: 49

Leicester Cobras 2: 20

Bears 3 started the day off on a positive note when they ran out comfortable winners against a spirited Cobras 2 team.  With Bears junior players Aaron Grant and Ellan Fraser on fine form and an impressive debut by Andy Roberts, The Bears were able to secure another win.  Coach Robinson said “Despite containing a large number of our junior and development level players, I am proud to say that Bears 3 put out a solid and well drilled performance. It was immensely heartening to see the growing level of confidence exhibited within our young core. A fantastic performance was also given from Stuart “Laney” Lane, who has just returned from several months away from the game.”