There’s never a dull moment in British Wheelchair Basketball’s National League and last weekend proved no different with end-to-end action, unbeaten streaks coming to an end and a season-high points tally.
In the top-flight, the battle for the Premier Division crown continues to be the fiercest in recent years with four points separating the top-six teams, although two teams (The Owls and London Titans) have played a game less.
The Owls have been the pace setters for most of the season after starting their campaign with six wins from six games, but their unbeaten streak came to an end on Sunday as CWBA returned to winning ways with a 66:60 victory over The Owls.
Liam Hassell top-scored with 34 points for CWBA, with Peter Cusack adding 25 points, while Stephen Rainey and GB’s Robyn Love both scored 14 points for The Owls.
The result sees CWBA move above The Owls into second in the table, with both teams level on points, although the Coventry-based team have played a game more.
Sheffield Steelers continue to lead the way at the top of the Premier Division table, and they recorded their seventh victory of the season with a 77:36 win over The Bears. Four players reached double figures for the Steelers, including top-scorer Finley Tonner (19).
On Saturday, Tees Valley Titans edged a thrilling battle away at NI Knights with Liam Fawcett scoring 38 points to help The Titans to a 63:69 victory.
London Titans were also victorious, securing back-to-back wins, thanks to a 68:51 win at home to Exeter Otters.
Division 1
On a weekend which saw over 1,750 points scored across the two days, Jaguars certainly found their scoring form, scoring 119 points as they beat Aces 119:21 in Division 1 South. Marc Blackman top-scored with 48 points for Jaguars.
Thames Valley Kings (TVK) continued their unbeaten season with victory against CWBA 2. George Gray top-scored with 17 points as Thames Valley Kings won 70:31 to move just one point behind league leaders London Titans 2, although TVK have played two games fewer than Titans.
In Division 1 North, Lancaster Bulldogs claimed their first win of the season with a 63:49 victory against North Wales Knights. Alex Johnson top-scored for The Bulldogs with 27 points.
Peter Uson Lucas scored 41 points to help Sheffield Steelers 2 achieve a 79:40 win at home to Manchester Giants Mavericks. The win sees The Steelers close the gap on Division 1 North leaders Wakefield Whirlwinds and second-placed Glasgow Rollin’ Rocks; who have both played a game more than The Steelers.
Division 2
Sheffield Steelers 3 extended their winning streak to five games as they maintained their winning start to the Division 2 North season with a 66:36 win over Birmingham Phoenix.
Frenford Falcons triumphed 44:40 versus Cardiff Met Archers in Division 2 South. The Falcons are now only one point behind league leaders Sussex Bears.
Division 3
In Division 3 North, North East Warriors beat Calerdale 50:33, with Calderdale’s Joseph Calcott top-scoring with 18 points.
Jaguars 2 were also victorious in the North division, securing a 41:29 win at home to Stoke Spitfires. 23 points was the top-scoring tally from Chris Hassell of Jaguars.
Plymouth Raiders 2 maintained their 100 per cent winning record this season in Division 3 Central / South West, although Swansea Storm pushed them all the way. Two points was the difference at the end of the game, ensuring Plymouth continued their unbeaten record with a 53:51 win.
Victory over CWBA 3 ensured Thames Valley Kings 2 maintained their pressure on Plymouth with Thames Valley Kings second, two points behind Plymouth, following their 41:28 win against CWBA 3.
CWBA 3 were back in action on Sunday as they lost 27:38 to Derby Wheelblazers, who claimed their second win of the season.
Sparrows remain top of Division 3 South East after a 57:34 victory over Sussex Bears 2, but Brixton Ballers extended their unbeaten campaign to five with a 43:50 win away at London Titans 4. Brixton are three points behind Sussex, but they have played two games fewer than Sussex.
A full list of fixtures, results and league tables can be found on the BWB National League competition page: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/nl-premier-division-19-20/
