DEPLETED Warwickshire Bears 2nds suffered a heavy 65-26 defeat at British Wheelchair Basketball League Division Two South leaders Essex Outlaws 2nds on Sunday.
The visitors faced a tough test from the off due to missing Andy Roberts and Rick Powell, who were both at the Invictus Games trials in Bath.
The Bears started strongly though and were able to match a well-drilled Outlaws team at each end of the court but, as the game progressed, the Outlaws were able to take advantage of their experience and strength to build a 20-10 lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter the Outlaws ramped up their defence, putting Bears under more pressure around their basket whilst also being able to make the most of their own offensive opportunities to go into the break with a 30-13 lead.
After the break the Bears were still unable to make any inroads into the Outlaws’ lead and fell further behind as the Outlaws played a tight, stubborn game and maintained their offensive prowess.
With a quarter to play Bears trailed 45-18 and, whilst never giving up, the final period proved a tough one for the visitors.
Bears head coach Tom Masterson said: “We knew we were in for a tough game but to be without Andy (Roberts) and Rick (Powell) made it that much harder.
“The positives were both Harry Draper and Aaron Grant who have come and done a great job. The scores don’t reflect how well they both did.”
Bears women play their last round of fixtures in Nottingham this weekend. The Bears are still looking for a sponsor for the team and always seeking to recruit new members, especially female and junior players. Email [email protected] or call Masterson on 07946 518354 for details.
