Warwickshire Bears win thriller against the UAE

THE Warwickshire Bears secured a superb 58-50 victory over the United Arab Emirates last week.

UAE were in the UK to complete a training camp before competing in the Gulf Championships.

The friendly match was end to end, but the Bears held a narrow 27-22 lead at half-time.

Warwickshire pulled away and led 47-32 after the third. UAE fought their way back and clawed back the deficit, but the damage was already done.

“I’m so proud of the team today,” said Bears’ coach, Tom Masterson.

“To win a game against an international team is a major achievement for them and just shows how much potential there is in the club. Even our bench were awesome today and helped us to the final buzzer.”

Bears followed up their victory over UAE with a 66-39 success in the league at Cardiff Met Archers.

Warwickshire went into an early lead which they held throughout the game.

With their strong forward Ben Haigh back in action and the impressive form of new signings Jacob Robinson and Siobhan Fitzpatrick, the Bears were always in control throughout the game to take another win on the road and help them towards safety in the new division.

“I was pleased that I was able to give a much-needed run-out to our team today,” said coach, Tom Masterson.

“We have so many good players in the team, fighting for minutes on court, and games like today gives me the opportunity to give them all a good run-out.”

Meanwhile, Bears 2nds extended their unbeaten run with a 32-14 win over Hampshire Harriers 2nds in BWB League Third Division S&W.