Warwickshire Bears lose out away at London Titans - The Leamington Observer

Warwickshire Bears lose out away at London Titans

Leamington Editorial 30th Nov, 2016 Updated: 1st Dec, 2016   0

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL: A CLOSE fought game that went right down to the wire ended in disappointment for Warwickshire Bears as they slipped to a third defeat of the season away at First Division South leaders London Titans.

The Bears knew they were in for a tough match on Saturday as they came up against last season’s runners-up and they put up a brave challenge but eventually lost out 51-45.

The Titans used their height advantage to good effect in the opening period as they built up an early 17-12 lead and the Bears looked to limit the damage in the second quarter.

Both Chris and Andy Weeks were proving to be a threat to the Bears and while they were able to slow down the scoring, the visitors were unable to make any inroads themselves and at the half-way stage they were six points down.




The Bears were forced to change their line-up continually in the third quarter due to a number of fouls being conceded which forced them to abandon their pressing game.

But the Bears stepped up their attacking play and managed to cut the lead to just three points at 38-35 with all to play for in the final quarter.


It turned into a thrilling finale and the lead changings multiple times but it was the Titans who edged six points back in front as the sealed a dramatic 51-45 win.

“We did well with the team we had available and all the players gave 100 per cent which is all I could ask of them,” said Bears coach Tom Masterson.

“It was another learning curve to the players and myself, some of who have never played at this level before and they will learn a lot from the game.

“We are still learning how to adapt to this division and we are making progress which is an encouraging sign. Hopefully Titans will find it an even harder game when they travel to us in the New Year.”

The Bears are next in action when they play host to a friendly against the United Arab Emirates team who are in Great Britain training for a tournament on December 8. Entrance to the match is free.

Anyone interested in joining the Bears as a player or sponsor should email [email protected] or call 07946518354.

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