Warwickshire Bears claim second spot after Division Two final - The Rugby Observer

Warwickshire Bears claim second spot after Division Two final

Rugby Editorial 7th Jun, 2016 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

WARWICKSHIRE Bears boss Tom Masterson has spoken of his pride after watching his side claim a silver medal following a busy weekend of action in the Division Two final.

A narrow 59-57 victory over Vikings set up a thrilling final against Swindon Shock but the Bears fell just shot after losing out by just three points to take the runner-up spot.

A thrilling weekend of action began with a semi-final clash against Vikings which saw the two teams stay within four points of each other throughout the opening ten minutes of the game.

The Bears led 16-14 at the end of the opening quarter and they stretched into a seven point lead at the half-way point.




In the third quarter the Vikings got themselves back into the match and in the fourth they levelled the scores at 55-55 with just 32 seconds remaining, but it was the Bears who stole the win on the buzzer to set up a final showdown against Swindon.

Once again the spectators were treated to another thrilling encounter and by the end of the first quarter Swindon held a 20-11 lead.


The Warwickshire team, however, rallied together in the second quarter as they fought their way back to within two points of their opponents with Swindon leading 34-32 at half-time.

The battle continued into the third quarter, but the Shock were able to raise their game and extended their lead by five points heading into the fourth quarter.

In an incredibly tense final quarter, the Bears showed real team work as they completed the comeback by levelling the game on 53 points with just under four minutes left on clock.

Both teams traded baskets but Swindon showed great composure to win 60-57.

“Wow what a weekend,” said Masterson. “We have been involved in two amazing games this weekend with both being won and lost in the last seconds of the game.

“I’d like to congratulate Swindon on their victory. Although naturally disappointed to not to win the final I’m still immensely proud of our team and their achievements this year, all our teams have been amazing this season.”

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