Eleven games across the National League this weekend, with a whole host of upsets and close games as we approach the Christmas break. We saw action in all four divisions, with the usual array of marvellous baskets and competitive contests up and down the country.
Premier Division
We were treated to six teams in action in the Premier Division over this weekend, the Mohawks strengthening their position at the top of the table with a win over bottom placed Glasgow Rolling Rocks. Liam Fawcett starred offensively, netting 34 points – such was his importance to the team given his shooting form he played the full duration of the game.
Glasgow Rocks rallied in the final 10 minutes and came out on top in the last quarter, Austin McKenzie and Jamie Beattie combining well to finish the game strongly.
Elsewhere in Sheffield, the Steelers narrowly edged out Thames Valley Kings with a final score of 60 -53. It was an outstanding third quarter that ultimately decided the contest, with the contest tied at halftime the likes of Will Bonner and Conn Nagle turned on the style to establish a lead to hold onto going into the final stages. Thames Valley player PJ O’donovan was influential throughout the contest, his creative capabilities on full display as he provided four assists for his teammates.
The Owls were the only team away to win this weekend, getting the better of Exeter Otters with a huge final quarter. The game was finely poised with 10 minutes to go, but The Owls added 18 points in that final quarter to ensure they would finish a hard-fought contest on top.
Division 1
Sheffield Steelers 2 were also victorious in Division 1 North, another tight encounter against North Wales Knights that ended 42-48 in favour of the Yorkshire side. The win lifts them ahead of their opponents in the league table, up into second behind Mohawks 2.
Despite sitting on top of the tree as we approach the Christmas period, Mohawks 2 lost out against Wakefield Whirlwinds, who picked up their first win of the season at the fourth attempt – and will be looking to progress after a morale-boosting win against high quality and high-flying opponents.
To complete the Sunday fixtures in the north, Lancaster Bulldogs negotiated a tricky test against Manchester Giants Mavericks – putting in an impressive defensive performance to restrict the Manchester side to 26 points, scoring 53 themselves.
Down South, just the one fixture in Division 1 but plenty of points as both teams brought their A-game offensively – The Bears beating the Jaguars 75-60.
Division 2
Close games continued to be the theme of the weekend in In Division 2, as Glasgow Rollin’ Rocks 2 just edged out Wakefield Whirlwinds 43-47, taking a precious win against the league leaders back to Scotland.
In the Southern division, Cardiif Met won their first game of the season with yet another tight encounter, beating second place Plymouth Fusion by just 6 points, a final score of 58-52.
Division 3
In Division 3 North, Mohawks 3 put in an outstanding attacking performance at home to rack up 74 points against Calderdale WBC, and remained resilient enough to restrict their adversaries to just 23 points over four quarters.
Leicester Cobras took the win in their second game of the season, beating top of the table CWBA 45 -35 to bounce back from a narrow loss to Sheffield Steelers 3 back in October.
A full list of results and league tables are available here: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/
