Buoyant Bears on brink of league title

WARWICKSHIRE Bears, already promoted to division one of the National Wheelchair Basketball League, look set to go up as champions following a thrilling 62-55 victory over title rivals Swindon Shock on Sunday.

Bears now only have to turn up for this weekend’s final game against Blackhawks to gain the single point they need to secure the division two crown.

“This has to be one of our proudest moments since we set up the club,” said head coach Tom Masterson.

“I gave the team the target of staying in the division when we started the season so to be champions is amazing. I am absolutely delighted.”

Played at a high tempo in front of a vocal band of supporters, the game was too tight to call until the final quarter. Then, Ben Fox, a GB under-23 international who had been an influential player for the visitors, had to leave the court having committed five fouls.

Bears saw their opportunity and edged ahead with the clock ticking down. Even then, Swindon had their chances to come back, but the basket proved elusive when it mattered most.

Derek Hall was voted the home team’s most valuable player.

Bears' last league game is away at Surrey side Blackhawks on Sunday. They then go into the national play-off finals in Worcester on the 4/5 June. This will determine who is champion of the combined division two (north and south).

The second team were also winners on Sunday, beating Swindon 45-29 in National League Division Three (Central).

Meanwhile, there was further good news for the Bears when they were told they will be able to stay at the Warwickshire College sports hall in Henley for a further year. The college is due to close this summer.