Image: Jim Beattie
It was another enthralling weekend of BWB National League action with high scores, close games and plenty of impressive individual and team performances as the battles for promotion and play-off places begin to heat-up.
Premier Division
Sheffield Steelers versus The Owls is always one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season and last weekend was no different with the top-two in the Premier Division going head-to-head in Sheffield.
After beating the league leaders earlier in the season, The Owls were the team celebrating once again, winning 45:86 to move one point behind the Sheffield Steelers in the Premier Division table with a game in hand.
CWBA posted the highest score of any team in the Premier Division this season as they beat NI Knights 49:110. Although it was a brilliant all-round team performance from the Coventry-based team, Peter Cusack and Liam Hassell stood out offensively, scoring 80 points between them.
Hassell top-scored with 41 points in addition to 14 rebounds and 17 assists, with Cusack also finishing the game with a triple-double – 39 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.
It’s a win that consolidates their place in the top-four, but Tees Valley Titans and Exeter Otters remain only one point behind, although they have played a game more.
The teams in fifth and sixth went head-to-head on Saturday with Tees Valley Titans victorious in a close game against The Otters, with the game finishing 53:48 to Tees Valley Titans.
The final Premier Division game of the weekend was hosted at London Titans with the Titans claiming their fourth successive victory thanks to a 48:39 win over The Bears.
Division 1
There was another fascinating battle at the top of the table in Division 1 North as Glasgow Rollin’ Rocks travelled to Wakefield Whirlwinds in a game which could prove to be pivotal in the race to secure a spot in next season’s Premier Division.
Glasgow were trailing by nine points at half-time, but, a second-half turnaround, saw the Scottish-based team beat Wakefield by six points to avenge their two-point defeat from earlier in the season. The final score was 58:64 to Glasgow.
The other game in Division 1 North saw third play fourth as The Owls 2 made the trip across the Pennines to Sheffield Steelers 2. It was the visitors who travelled back celebrating, thanks to a 56:64 win as The Owls secured a double victory.
In Division 1 South, Thames Valley Kings extended their unbeaten season to date, with their ninth victory from nine games. Reece Barker scored 22 points as Thames Valley Kings won 34:51 away at Aces WBC.
London Titans 2 were also victorious as they continued their pursuit for a top-four place, beating The Bears 2 51:18. Chris Weeks top-scored with 16 points for London Titans.
Division 2
Sheffield Steelers 3 scored 80 points as they beat Leicester Cobras 80:39 to remain top of Division 2 North, level on points with Tees Valley Titans 2, who beat North Wales Knights 2, 61:45. Ciaran Carrigan scored 29 points for Tees Valley Titans.
The battle for promotion in Division 2 South remains close with Frenford Falcons still top of the table, courtesy of a 45:33 win against Hampshire Harriers.
The Falcons are one point ahead of High Rollers and three points ahead of Plymouth Raiders, although both teams have played fewer games than Frenford.
Plymouth secured an important win against High Rollers in a close game with Raiders claiming a 57:54 win.
There was an even closer game in London as Cardiff Met Archers beat London Titans 3 by a single point (37:38).
Division 3
Wakefield Whirlwinds 2 moved to the top of Division 3 North – level with Vikings – after a 30:28 triumph over Calderdale. Wakefield and Vikings have got an identical record having both played nine and won eight.
In Division 3 Central / South West, Plymouth Raiders 2 made it seven wins from seven games; their latest coming in a 43:38 victory against CWBA 3.
Swansea Storm are currently in second place – level on points with Plymouth but Swansea have played a game more – and the Welsh team continued to keep the pressure on Plymouth with a 64:39 win at home to Derby Wheelblazers.
In Division 3 South East, Sparrows continue to lead the way following a 70:28 win against London Titans 4, while Brixton Ballers remain second after a close game with Folkestone Arrows ended with Brixton celebrating a 38:34 win.
A full list of results and league tables are available here: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/nl-premier-division-19-20/
