Warwickshire Bears 67
Birmingham Blackcats 37
BWB Division One South
WARWICKSHIRE Bears created history by defeating Birmingham Blackcats for the first time in their history with an impressive performance.
After the game, coach Tom Masterson said he was “really proud” of his Henley-based team, with a dominant third quarter opening up a sizeable lead.
“The game was tighter than the score reflects, and to win against such a good experienced team like Blackcats is a testament to how well the team is playing now,” he said.
“I have to give a special mention to Adrian Taber, who was playing against his old team mates and he put in a fantastic performance.”
With a host of experienced players in the Blackcats team, this was going to be a test for the Bears but they too were fired up.
From the tip off, Bears put pressure on the Blackcats playing a tough defence, trying to restrict the Blackcats main player Rob Smith to limited shots at the Bears basket.
At the Blackcats basket, with both Jacob Robinson and Ben Haigh playing an impressive attacking game, the Bears were able to build an early lead, and open a 23-12 gap at the first quarter.
The Blackcats came out in the second quarter with a stronger defence, but were matched by the Bears who limited the visitors to only one basket for the quarter whilst edging further away in the score, for 34-14 at half-time.
The Bears really turned the screw in the third quarter, to move 57-21 ahead.
In the last quarter both teams used their benches to give all their players a run out, with the Blackcats making full use of their experienced squad to pull back some of the score and win the last quarter 16-10 but the final score ended 67-37 to the Bears.
Warwickshire Bears 2nds 56
Hampshire Harriers 21
Division Three South & West
THE BEARS Seconds followed up the earlier victory with another win against Hampshire Harriers to remain on top of the table.
The Bears were always in control of the game throughout, and used the game to give valuable court time to the whole team.
Victory keeps the Bears in top spot, looking for promotion and qualifying for this year’s play-offs in their sights.
Coach Masterson said after the game “That was another win for the Bears 2 and one step closer to the play-offs for the team.
“It was good to see all the team get on the score sheet and get some valuable court time.”
The Bears are next in action when their Bear’s women’s team are play their final game at this seasons National women’s league in Nottingham on the 25th February 2017.
The Bears are still looking for a sponsor for the team and also always looking to recruit new members especially female and junior players. If anyone is interested than you can contact Bears at [email protected] or call 07946 518354.
