Bears valiant but Oldham Owls show their class - The Rugby Observer

Bears valiant but Oldham Owls show their class

Rugby Editorial 22nd Jan, 2019 Updated: 23rd Jan, 2019   0

WARWICKSHIRE Bears Wheelchair Basketball first team had a tough start to their opening fixture of 2019, as they fell to a 71-33 loss to an impressive Oldham Owls.

The away fixture in Oldham saw the Bears attempt to topple the league leaders, and they looked likely of getting a result when maintaining a defensively solid shape throughout the opening quarter. The Owls – who currently top the league table – were limited in their opportunities, but saw out the opening period with an 11-6 advantage.

A dominant second quarter would prove to be the difference in the contest, as the Owls went through the gears to remain defensively resolute, whilst demonstrating their attacking capabilities and finding the net several times for a 34-9 lead at half-time.

The Bears clearly had their work cut out against the EuroCup side, but they too stepped up another level and looked to close the gap between the two sides.




Warwickshire battled to draw the third quarter, both sides taking 14 points apiece to see the Owls lead 48-23 going into the final period of the game.

A hard-fought display from the Bears in the final quarter was admirable against a side like the Owls, but the pace present amongst the ranks of the hosts proved too much, as they continued to clock up points against Warwickshire. Dan Gill did clinch a superb three-pointer at the final buzzer for some consolation in a game in which the Bears could draw immense pride from the fighting spirit they displayed.


Bears head coach Tom Masterson could only draw positives from the display.

“I’m proud of Bears today, the team is demonstrating in every game that they are learning and adapting.

“They are utilising their experience and using it to make them into a better team, and a coach couldn’t ask for more than that!”

The next action for the Bears sees the women’s side head to Nottingham on the first weekend of February (1st/2nd) in the second round of the BWB’s Women League.

The Bears are next in action when the Bears Womens Team travel to Nottingham on the weekend of 1st/2nd February 2019 for the second round of the BWB’s Women League.

The Bears welcome new members and volunteers for the club, and urge people to contact Tom Masterson on 07946 51835 for more details.

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