Newcastle Eagles Junior Wheelchair Basketball Update

After a certain amount of uncertainty due to extreme weather conditions, namely snow, we finally got the confirmation that the second round of the junior basketball leagues were on.

Early on Saturday, 7th February we set off in very cold, snowy conditions but the mood was good and we had been training hard for these matches. We knew which teams were going to be difficult to beat but unlike the first matches we were more confident.

First match was against Wolverhampton Rhinos, top of the league and one of our more difficult matches was a close match. End of period one 4-4, period two we won 5-4 but they came back strong in period three and won 6-2. The team pulled together and played hard but lost period four 6-8 overall. Result, Eagles 18 Rhinos 21.

Next match was against Wakefield Whirlwinds. This was a good performance from the team they scored high in first period, 10-2 then won the second period 8-5. However they lost their way a little in period three and scored no baskets let the opposition in 4-0. We had a change around and came back in period four to win 8-2, giving an overall result of 26-13 to the Eagles.

These results put us second in the league table.

Round Three: 14th March, Wildcats Arena, Nottingham

Another early start and a long journey to Nottingham. Our first match was not until 12:30 and after the driver getting lost at least 5 times we eventually made it with a good 45 minutes to spare. The team had a good warm up on the spare court and went into the first match against Wakefield Whirlwinds. The team were up for this match and played well. In period one the score was 9-4. In period two, 4-5 but the team committed a lot of fouls and gave away points. In period three the score was 6-4, but in the final period again committed a too many fouls to make the score 8-10. This made the overall score 26-23 to the Eagles.

The next match was not played as the Stingers did not show so the team had a break and resumed play at 3.30 against the Jaguar Allstars. We knew this was going to be a difficult match as they beat us the last time we played them. However, the team were determined to play a good game. Close in the first period 3-5, won the second period 7-5 but fell back in the third period 5-7 and drew in fourth period 8-8. Overall result, 21-25 to the Jaguar Allstars.

The team were a bit down hearted about the result as they felt that they could have done better and gave away too many fouls. They regrouped and discussed the day's results with the coach, Stewart Pimblet, and also the next few weeks training before facing the finals, which are to be held at the Wild Cats Arena, Nottingham, on 26 April 2009.

 

For further information about the Percy Hedley Sports Academy, please contact Adam Parry, Sports Development Officer on 0191 268 7116 or via e-mail at a.parry@percyhedley.org.uk.

 

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