Division 3 Central/South West

Derby Wheelblazers: 28

Bears 3: 53

The Bears 3 made an emotional start to the season when they travelled to face Derby Wheelblazers.  The last time both teams had met was at the end of last season, and was the game which had to be abandoned due to the tragic death of Colin Illac who had suffered a heart attack during the game.  Both teams since have become close friends since and were determined to honour Colin with a minute’s applause before the tip-off.

The first quarter was a close game with both teams unable to make any headway with the score and both teams forcing each other into numeral mistakes and turnovers.  With a low scoring quarter both teams went into the break with the Bears having the slightest of leads Wheelblazers 7 – 8 Bears

After the break the Bears came out more determined to put the first quarters mistakes behind them, but were constantly harrowed by Wheelblazers junior star Dahnon Ward, but eventually were able to build a lead with Bears own junior stars Ellan Fraser and Kyle Jackson adding to the lead.  With the half time buzzer sounding the Bears had built up a comfortable lead Wheelblazers 11 – 28 Bears.

With the lead built up from the last quarter, the Bears Coach was able to go to the bench and give some much-needed court time to the rest of the team he had brought along.  With a mixture of experience and new players, the Bears were once again able to add to the score and go into the last quarter in a comfortable position of Wheelblazers 15 – 40 Bears.

With the healthy lead already established the Bears coach Smith was again able to go to his bench and give valuable minutes to his players. With nearly all the Bears team getting onto the score sheet, the Bears were able to see out the game. Wheelblazers 28 – 53 Bears.

After the game Coach Dan Smith said ““After a slow start Bears 3 took a win in their first game of the season. With a mixture of senior and junior players the Bears took a dominant lead to win 53-28. Great start to the season “”