Competitions

GB athletes proved instrumental for their teams across Europe this weekend. RSV Lahn-Dill (Simon Brown) retained top position in the German league, going 9/9 in the season so far. Elsewhere, several GB athletes contributed to high scoring victories in the Italian league as the rivalry between Briantea84 Cantù and Avis S. Stefano burns bright. 

In Spain, Servigest Burgos hosted Fundación Fdi Las Rozas, with the visiting team taking the win 44:55. Lee Fryer (Servigest Burgos) had 10 points and top performance in assists for his team (7 assists). 

In Germany, league leaders RSV Lahn-Dill opened their 2022 with a win over RBC Koln 99ers, dominating the home team 45:85 with Simon Brown (Lahn-Dill) taking 5 points. Lahn-Dill start the year with a continuation of strong form, having won all their fixtures so far. 

Rhine River Rhinos (Jim Palmer) travelled to Hannover United where the two teams clashed for top three placing in the league. Hannover United took the win 64:45, meaning Rhine River Rhinos currently sit fourth overall with a game in hand. 

In Italy, the rivalry between group leaders Briantea84 Cantù and Avis S. Stefano builds as both teams chalked up wins on Saturday. Briantea84 Cantù defeated Millenium Basket 71:47, with Ian Sagar and Sophie Carrigill both featuring for the winning side. Sagar had 11 points. 

In France, Red Dragon’s Metz (Fin Tonner) claimed the top spot on the table this week with their 61-58 win over Les Aigles Du Velay. Elsewhere, CVHG Gennevilliers (Tom Barnes) travelled to Club Tregorrois Handisport De Lannion where the home team took a 70:58 win. 

Helen Freeman has joined CS Meaux and we will update on their results and stats as soon as they become available. 

Heading into the Christmas break the league tables across the National Leagues are beginning to take shape, and an enthralling round of fixtures to finish the year saw some high scores, some narrow wins and from one side in particular, an outstanding individual performance with 3-pointers aplenty.

Premier Division 

An outstanding away performance from CWBA to sign off for 2021 saw them beat Thames Valley Kings 42-74.

CWBA took no time to assert themselves, winning the tip off and scoring almost immediately. Reece Barker replied for the hosts with a nice 2-pointer, but Jake Robinson responded in style with a 3-pointer, his first of two in the first quarter.

CWBA’s incredible accuracy from distance proved a thorn in the side of Thames Valley Kings all game, unable to give their opponents any kind of space without being swiftly punished. The score at halftime was 21 – 41, thanks to a brilliant all-around performance from 1.5 player Robinson. Deadly from any distance, scoring 18 points in total, but also demonstrating brilliance in the creative department with 6 assists, more than any other player on the court.

A deserved away win for CWBA takes them to second in the table, with two games in hand over leaders The Owls.

The Owls were also victorious this weekend, beating Glasgow Rollin’ Rocks 64 – 46 to continue in a rich vein of form that sees them top the tree going into Christmas.

Division 1 

A ‘Super Sunday’ in Division 1 North saw two high scoring games. Wakefield Whirlwinds narrowly beat Lancaster Bulldogs 59 – 44, and Mohawks 2 were ruthless in a 25 – 85 win over Manchester Giants Mavericks, taking their points total for the season to 13.

Bulldogs will have a chance to bounce back from a close defeat in the new year as they travel away to North Wales Knights.

Division 2 

In Division 2 South, there was a top of the table clash as Sussex Bears overcame a stern test with a 47 – 34 win over Plymouth Fusion. The Bears now sit 2 points clear of Plymouth, winning 5 out of 5 and looking well placed to finish top of the league if they continue their faultless form into the new year.

Division 3 

A further 2 games in Division 3 South, as Thames Valley Kings 3 emerged victorious in a close encounter with Brixton Ballers. 37-30 the final score, a couple of slick baskets the difference between the two teams.

Elsewhere, Sussex Bears 2 were unable to come away with the points as they were defeated Aces WBC 18 -30.

A full list of results and league tables are available here: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/competition/national-league/

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/

This morning, the GB Men’s Team have made the difficult decision to forfeit their 2021 European Championship Gold medal game due to be played later today.

As defending Champions this has been a tremendously hard decision that the team has collectively reached. The Team’s priority remains to safeguard the health and wellbeing of not only the GB athletes and staff members, but also of the wider competition community at the 2021 European Championships in Madrid.

Following a confirmed COVID-19 case within the squad this morning, the team member will now undergo 10 days of isolation in Spain.

Throughout the tournament, British Wheelchair Basketball has given all players and staff members the opportunity to return home, should they have any concerns about Covid-19.

British Wheelchair Basketball has consistently prioritised the health and wellbeing of its players and they return home with the full support of the organisation

Following their semi-final match today at the European Championships in Madrid, the Great Britain Women’s squad have taken the decision to return home and will take no further part in the tournament.

Concerns remains about the situation regarding Covid 19 in Madrid following a second positive test in the GB Women’s team earlier this week.

Throughout the tournament, British Wheelchair Basketball has given all players and staff members the opportunity to return home, should they have any concerns about Covid-19. Following their semi-final match, the squad have now decided to return home.

British Wheelchair Basketball has consistently prioritised the health and wellbeing of its players and they return home with the full support of the organisation.

During the European Championships in Madrid, a staff member supporting the Great Britain Women’s squad has tested positive for Covid-19 and, adhering to protocols, will now undergo 10 days of isolation in Spain.

To support the mental wellbeing of the squad, British Wheelchair Basketball has given all players and staff members the opportunity to return home, should they have any concerns about Covid-19. The decision to withdraw has been taken up by a coach and two players, who have now departed the camp.

To provide additional reassurance, Great Britain have voluntarily taken the decision that players and staff of the Women’s team will remain in their rooms unless travelling to training, games or the regular antigen testing.

We continue to provide support to the team in Madrid, as our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.

Taking place just four months after the GB teams returned from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, the Championships will take place in Madrid between the 4^th to the 12^th December 2021.

The men’s team, captained by Lee Manning, will see Gaz Choudhry again adopt a player/coach role working with the on-court GB Coaching team of Haj Bhania OBE (Head Coach) and Simon Fisher (Assistant Coach). The squad line up also see’s World Championship Gold Medallist’s Martin Edwards, Simon Brown, Kyle Marsh and Phil Pratt return to GB duty.

The women’s team will see 2019 U25 World Championship Bronze Medallists Jade Atkin and Niamh Horan make their senior squad debut. Head Coach of the GB Women’s Coaching team at the Championships will be three-time Paralympian and established GB programme coach Steve Caine. Assisting Steve in Madrid will be Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball’s new Head Coach and GB World Champion George Bates, as GB Women’s Assistant Coach.

The GB Men will commence their European Championships Campaign on the 4^th December when they face Israel as their opening game in Group B. Twelve men’s teams will be competing in the 2021 European Championships in two pools (A & B). GB Men’s wheelchair basketball team have a rich history at the European Championships taking the title three times in a row, and the regaining the title in Poland at the 2019 competition.

The GB Women begin their European Championships campaign on 5^th December when they face France. Europe is undoubtedly one of the strongest wheelchair basketball zones in the world, including the Netherlands who GB have faced in the finals at both the 2018 World and 2019 European Championships.

Following today’s Squad Announcement British Wheelchair Basketball Performance Director, Jayne Ellis commented:

“Undoubtedly this has been a unique and challenging 12 months in our international competition calendar – never before have we had to prepare the GB senior teams for two major internationals within six months of one another.

“In Tokyo our GB teams showed the world their grit and determination. Today, I am once again so tremendously proud of this group of incredible, focused and passionate athletes who will represent our nation in Madrid. I continue to be in awe of their dedication and talent, and their sheer determination to deliver world-class performances at the European Championships in December.”

Schedule available at: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/major-competition-hub/

GB Women’s Team

#4 Charlotte Moore (1.0)

#5 Sophie Carrigill (1.0)

#6 Kayla Bell (1.0)

#7 Helen Freeman (4)

#8 Laurie Williams (2.5)

#9 Jude Hamer (4)

#12 Lucy Robinson (4.5)

#14 Joy Haizelden (2.5)

#15 Robyn Love (3.5)

#16 Jade Atkin (4.5)

#17 Niamh Horan (3)

GB Men’s Team

#4 Gaz Choudhry (4.0)

#5 Simon Brown (2.0)

#6 Kyle Marsh (2.0)

#7 Terry Bywater (4.5)

#9 Harry Brown (2.5)

#10 Abdi Jama (1.0)

#11 Phil Pratt (3.0)

#12 Gregg Warburton (2.0)

#14 Lee Manning © (4.5)

#15 Ben Fox (3.5)

#16 Jim Palmer (1.0)

#17 Martin Edwards (4.0)

GB player and three-time Paralympian, Gaz Choudhry, has been shortlisted for 2021’s greatest coaching moment, after taking on the role as player-coach at this summer’s Paralympic Games. The move came after the GB Head Coach Haj Bhania tested positive to Covid-19 prior to the Games and was unable to travel.

Under Gaz’s leadership the GB Men’s team delivered a stunning on court performance in Tokyo, showcasing drama and outstanding wheelchair basketball. He powered the team to consistently deliver win after win, laying down nail-biting second halves against the USA, Canada and Australia which had fans of the sport mesmerised.

British Wheelchair Basketball CEO Lisa Pearce is delighted with Gaz’s well-deserved selection for the Great Coaching Moment of the Year Shortlist:

“The GB men’s team demonstrated the grit and fierce determination that has seen this squad show to the world how powerful great on-court leadership is, and what can be achieved by a united and driven team.

“In the year where anything that can happen, will happen – Gaz without hesitation took a great responsibility on his shoulders to represent his nation and lead his team at a unique and historic Paralympic Games. Undoubtedly this resulted in one of the greatest coaching moments of the year and is a true inspiration to us all.”

The Great Coaching Moment Award is open to public vote and the winner will be announced at next month’s UK Coaching Awards. The award focuses not only on the material successes of coaches but on how they ground their work in putting people first.

On being selected for the shortlist, Choudhry said:

“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be nominated for such a prestigious award. It’s incredible to be included in the great achievements of the other coaches, especially after the fantastic year of sport that we’ve had.

“Sport has the power to change lives and coaches have a huge role to play in that. I’m humbled and really gracious for the nomination. It’s testament to the achievements of the whole team, not just those selected for the Paralympics, but the entire squad and the support staff too – so thank you.”

To vote for your greatest coaching moment, visit www.ukcoaching.org/gcm-2021. The public vote will close on Monday 6 December.