8 November, 2019

National League: Unbeaten Premier Division pair to go head-to-head

Unbeaten London Titans and The Owls will clash in the Premier Division in one of 23 National League fixtures taking place across the UK this weekend (9 & 10 November), with teams from all four home nations in action. 

Here’s the things to look out for on a busy weekend of National League action: 

Premier Division 

The Owls and London Titans are undefeated in the Premier Division this season and the pair will go head-to-head at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester on Saturday; in the first of four Premier Division fixtures this weekend. 

With current league leaders Sheffield Steelers playing on Sunday, The Owls can put the pressure on the Steelers and take top spot ahead of the Steelers’ home game against NI Knights on Sunday. 

The Sheffield-based team’s only defeat has come at The Owls this season, while The Knights have won one of their opening three games. 

By the end of the weekend, either Exeter Otters or The Bears will be celebrating their first win of the Premier Division season, with the two winless teams going head-to-head on the South Coast on Sunday. 

Tees Valley Titans will extend their unbeaten start to the season with a win away at CWBA; the hosts have had a mixed season so far with one win and two defeats, while Tees Valley Titans have won their opening two games. 

Division 1 

It’s set to be a busy weekend for Glasgow Rollin’ Rocks who will head to North Wales and Manchester on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, in Division 1 North. 

First-up will be NW Knights 1; a team they beat in an end-to-end game in the reverse fixture last month. Then on Sunday, Glasgow will play Manchester Giants Mavericks, who have two defeats from their opening two games. 

Wakefield Whirlwinds will be targeting back-to-back wins when they travel to The Owls, who are currently second in Division 1 North. 

With no game for Division 1 South leaders London Titans 2 this weekend, the teams behind will be hoping to seize the opportunity and close the gap. Aces are their closest challengers in the table on five points, but they host Jaguars 1 who have two wins from two. 

Bears 2 and Blackhawks will both be targeting their first win of the season when they meet on Sunday, while CWBA 2 host the unbeaten Thames Valley Kings. 

Division 2 

Tees Valley Titans 2 can extend their winning streak to four games if they beat Birmingham Phoenix in Division 2 North. Phoenix will no doubt be buoyed by their first win last time out. 

North Wales Knights 2 and Glasgow Rollin’ Rocks 2 are both looking for their second win of the season after mixed starts. 

Sheffield Steelers 3 will play only their second game of the season when they travel to the Leicester Cobras, who are yet to win this season. 

In Division 2 South, Norwich Lowriders and Plymouth Raiders will play each other in a double header on Sunday. The Raiders could extend their winning start to the season to four games if they win both games. 

Frenford Falcons suffered their first defeat of the season against High Rollers last weekend, so they will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host London Titans 3 on Sunday, who have lost their two games so far. 

Either Cardiff Met Archers or Hampshire Harriers will secure they first win of the season when the pair go head-to-head. 

Division 3 

The top-three teams in Division 3 North will all be in action with league leaders Vikings aiming to maintain their winning start when they host Wakefield Whirlwinds 2, who are also unbeaten this season. 

Stoke Spitfires versus Calderdale is second versus third; a win for Calderdale would see the Yorkshire club leapfrog their opponents in the table. 

Manchester Giants Mavericks 2 play Jaguars 2 on Sunday; both targeting their first win. 

CWBA 3 take on Thames Valley Kings 2 in Division 3 Central / South West with the teams sitting third and second, respectively. 

The only other fixture in the Cen / SW division sees The Bears 3 host Blackhawks 2. 

The two fixtures scheduled In Division 3 South East will both be played on Saturday. Brixton Ballers are currently on a three-game unbeaten streak; a streak which could extend to four if they get the better of Sussex Bears 2. 

Folkestone Arrows host London Titans 4, with the Titans earning their first win last time out.

Essential match information

Register via the desktop portal (bwb.playwaze.com) or via the British Wheelchair Basketball iPhone/Android apps to get fixtures, results and league tables direct to your device.

Fixtures, results and league tables: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/nl-premier-division-18-19/

Image: Will Johnston

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