WARWICKSHIRE Bears sides were involved in their first home ‘triple-header’ of fixtures in the British Wheelchair Basketball League on Sunday.
The first team suffered a 69-40 defeat to GLL & Aspire Titans in the Premier Division, the 2nds were 62-37 victors against Titans 3rds in Division Two South and the 3rds enjoyed a 52-34 win against Wolverhampton WSC in Division Three Central.
Titans took control of the first team encounter from the start with a strong defence the Bears found hard to break down and the hosts trailed 22-7 by the end of the first quarter.
Titans’ Matt Sealey then found his shooting range from outside in the second period which ended 34-17 to the visitors. The third period was similar in that Bears went pretty much basket for basket with their opponents, but they could not find a way back into the game in the second half.
Bears coach Tom Masterson said: “Although disappointed with the loss, I can’t fault the effort of the team. I do have to come to terms that in this division we are playing against professional players with years of experience at this level and it is a learning experience for most of us.
“We will get better and learn from these games and it will make us stronger in the long-run. The biggest plus was seeing Tom Docherty play his first game after major surgery and he is going to be a massive help this season when fully fit.”
Bears 2nds maintained their momentum with an impressive 62-37 win against Titans 3rds, showing impressive determination throughout.
Harry Draper stepped up from the 3rds to feature and coach Daz Peasley was impressed: “I think that has to be our best performance so far. We are starting to gel as a team and play some great basketball,” he said.
Draper and Brian Stone were the outstanding performers as Bears 3rds prevailed 52-34 against their Black Country opposition.
After his side’s third win of the campaign, Bears coach Dan Smith said: “It was a great performance from all players. I’m very pleased for the team and look forward to the next game.”
Bears and Bears 3rds visit Tees Valley Titans next weekend.
