WARWICKSHIRE Bears 2nds made a fine start to their home British Wheelchair Basketball League Division Two South campaign with a 55-35 victory against Plymouth Raiders.
On a day to savour, before the start of the game the Bears were presented with a cheque by David Jameson, director of merchandising and supply chain, on behalf of Dreams Ltd who have chosen to sponsor Bears for the next two years.
Lisa Bond, chief marketing officer for Dreams, said: “At Dreams, teamwork is at our core. We are proud to be supporting Bears’ own team and their work to foster talent in the local community. We wish the Bears the best of luck.”
“This is a fantastic news for our club,” said Bears’ head coach Tom Masterson. “Sponsorship partners such as Dreams are fundamental to us continuing to do what we do here.
“In particular, Dreams will help develop the club, especially our junior section and women’s team. Their sponsorship will help us continue to develop the next generation of wheelchair basketball athletes.”
Bears 2nds’ enthusiasm was evident in how well they played despite facing an obvious height difference. Initially though, Bears were met with a resilient Plymouth defence and the Raiders took a slim 12-10 lead into the second period.
The break seemed to bring about a second wind in the home side who came out more resilient and determined and quickly regained the lead before pulling away to open a 31-18 advantage by the midway point.
Raiders produced a valiant performance in the third quarter but could not prevent the hosts improving their lead to 47-30 and in the final quarter, with the outcome almost beyond doubt, both teams turned to their benches to give their squad players a run-out.
Bears coach Dazz Peasley said: “It was not our best performance and I think we started slowly, but eventually turned it around. I also have to bear in mind we are still gelling as a team and we will get better as the season progresses.”
The Bears are next in action when the squad hosts three teams on Sunday. First up is Bears 3rds against Wolverhampton WSC, followed by Bears 2nds against GLL & Aspire Titans 3rds and then Bears’ first team against GLL & Aspire, featuring former GB player and TV personality Ade Adepitan MBE.
