SUNDAY was a day of mixed emotions and results for Warwickshire Bears, who played their last set of home fixtures for 2019 and also their final matches at what has been their home venue for the last ten years.
Following the sale of the sports centre in Henley-in-Arden to Wasps Rugby Club, as reported in the Observer the Bears will have to find themselves a new venue to call home for their British Wheelchair Basketball League games.
In Division One South, as expected Bears 2nds were always up against it in a 61-22 defeat to Thames Valley Kings.
The number of Bears absentees forced coach Jacob Robinson to call up a number of players from the Division Three side which had just finished their own fixture.
The substitute players included impressive junior pair Ellen Fraser and Kyle Jackson alongside veteran Adrian Taber and Vasileios Takis.
From the tip-off, the enthusiastic and young Thames Valley side applied the pressure, playing a strong pressing game to limit the Bears at their basket, whilst taking full advantage of their superior speed and converting it effectively into scoring opportunities at the Bears basket.
Robinson said: “It was a tough day at the office but our guys and girls played with great heart, which is always difficult when facing such dominant opposition.”
In Division Three Central/South East, Bears 3rds were 40-34 winners against Thames Valley Kings 2nds to maintain their unbeaten status this season.
With their outstanding young stars making an impact at both ends of the court, Bears were able to see the game out in style and coach Dan Smith said: “Fantastic work was put in by all, but special praise goes to junior players Ellen Fraser and Kyle Jackson.”
The Bears are next in action when they travel to Manchester to play leaders The Owls on Saturday.
To help the Bears with sponsorship which will provide sporting opportunities for local disabled people, email [email protected] or call 07946 518354.
