Bears 2nds seal vital victory - The Stratford Observer

Bears 2nds seal vital victory

Stratford Editorial 1st May, 2018 Updated: 1st May, 2018   0

Norwich Lowriders 28 Warwickshire Bears 2nds 39

British Wheelchair Basketball League Division Two South

BEARS 2nds kept their survival hopes alive with a hard-fought victory in East Anglia on Sunday.

Once again Bears were missing some of their second team, due to injuries, but they did have Invictus hopefuls Rick Powell and Andy Roberts available.




The Bears also had to promote junior player Aaron Grant and also turn to their women’s captain Aimee Hillson to step up to help with their survival fight.

The visitors looked nervous from the tip and made a number of mistakes, allowing Lowriders to score easy baskets and go into an early lead, whilst not being able to make the most of the chances they made at the other end.


Lowriders built up a healthy lead at the end of the first quarter, which ended 14-6 in the hosts’ favour.

Bears regrouped and tightened up their defence, cutting out their earlier mistakes, which helped them come back into the game.

With a stronger defence, Bears were able to start making inroads into the Lowriders’ lead and whittle down the home side’s advantage to 18-14 by the midway point.

The third quarter was the major turning point for the Bears. Building on their strong defence in the second quarter, the visitors were also able to find their way to the Lowriders’ basket as Grant and Roberts found shooting opportunities and scored.

Bears slowly pulled back level and then went into a 28-24 lead by the end of the period.

The last quarter also went to the Bears, who again built on their strong defence, whilst Grant and Roberts were again able to find the home basket and eventually ease their side to victory.

Bears head coach Tom Masterson said: “That is a magnificent result for Bears 2nds. To come so far from home and get the win against a well-drilled Lowriders team was brilliant.

“I have to give special mention to young Aaron Grant, who finished as our leading scorer, and for someone so young to accomplish this just shows the talent this young man has.”

On Saturday Bears 2nds travel to London to face Sparrows before on Sunday Bears 1sts and 2nds face Titans 2nds and 3rds at Stanmore in the capital.

To sponsor the Bears, email [email protected] or call Masterson on 07946 518354.

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