Peasley enjoys winning start as Bears tame Lowriders

WARWICKSHIRE Bears 2 enjoyed a winning start to their National League Second Division South season with 62-45 victory at Norwich Lowriders on Saturday.

New recruits Daz Peasley and Theo Pilkington, both of whom joined from Shropshire Warriors at the end of last season, made their first starts.

The game started very scrappy with both teams making unforced errors and no team taking charge of the opening quarter, but with Peasley’s experience on show, the Bears were able to grind out an early lead at the end of the quarter, 12-6.

Lowriders regrouped after the break and came out determined to shut down the influential Peasley and Bears’ attack.

Warwickshire were again sloppy in possession and found it hard to mount any advantage, but despite this they went into the half-time break with a 22-14 lead.

Bears soon found themselves in foul trouble in the second half, putting the Lowriders on the free throw line, but they were unable to capitalise.

With the Lowriders again trying to shut down the influential Peasley, Derek Hall found his shooting range and helped Bears again add to their lead and go into the last quarter 41-30 ahead.

The last quarter saw coach Peasley take himself off, replacing himself with Rick Powell, returning after injury. Powell slotted in straight away and helped the Bears keep control of the game.

With Hall still finding the basket, Bears were able to see the game out comfortably.

“It’s great to finally get my start for the Bears,” said a delighted Peasley.

“The team were brilliant for the first game and we now have a great basis to start with for the season.”

This Sunday, the Bears’ first team are in action when they travel north to take on league champions and Euro Cup winners the Sheffield Steelers.