WARWICKSHIRE Bears defied Sunday’s mini ‘Beast from the East’ to host their final set of home games in the British Wheelchair Basketball League.
The first team enjoyed a 67-38 victory over Leicester Cobras in Division One South, the 2nds were beaten 49-40 by Hackney Sparrows in Division Two South and the 3rds were 49-20 winners against Leicester Cobras 2nds in Division Three Central.
Jacob Robinson impressed as Bears’ first team took an early lead but Cobras’ shooting guard Sho Ayub was also in good form to keep his side just 28-24 down at the halfway point.
Robinson, Ben Haigh and Dan Gill all found the basket with regularity as the match wore on and there was no way back for the visitors.
Bears’ head coach Tom Masterson said: “I have to congratulate and thank the Cobras squad who braved the journey from Leicester to play and pushed us hard all the way to the end.
“I also have to give a special mention to Ben Haigh, who had to dig his way out of his road so he could be at the game and then played a fantastic game as well.”
Bears 2nds were sunk earlier in the day as they continue to battle against relegation, but their coach Derek Hall said: “I’m really proud of the team. To push one of the title contenders so closely shows how well this team is improving.
“We still have a few away games yet and with this form we may cause a few upsets.”
Junior players Aaron Grant and Ellen Fraser were in fine form and debutant Andy Roberts also shone as the Bears 3rds prevailed.
Coach Robinson said: “Despite containing a large number of our junior and development level players, I am proud to say Bears 3rds put in a solid and well-drilled performance.
“It was immensely heartening to see the growing level of confidence exhibited within our young core. It was a fantastic performance from Stuart ‘Laney’ Lane, who has just returned from several months away from the game.”
The Bears return to action when the 2nds travel to Essex to face Outlaws 2nds in mid-April.
