Sunday, 27th April, 4.00pm at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
Newton Aycliffe’s premier league basketball team powered into the play-offs last weekend with consecutive victories – on Saturday they ran out 113-81 winners at bottom-of-the-table Birmingham Knights, whilst at home on Sunday against Cheshire Phoenix they raced out to a 20-point lead in the first ten minutes, to be gradually pegged back, before securing a 104-96 victory in a thrilling final quarter.
Wildcats star Danny Huffor top-scored in both games and on Sunday point guard Devin Ginty pipped team captain Ralph Bucci to the MVP (most valuable player) of the season award.
Excitingly, the outcome is that, for the first time in their history, the Wildcats are in the quarter-finals. Having qualified in eighth place, they play league leaders Newcastle Eagles over two legs this week – on Friday 25th April at Newcastle and on Sunday 27th April at 4pm at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre. Durham have pushed Newcastle close over the last two games, so – with the Wildcats riding on a high – the result is by no means a foregone conclusion.
It is to be hoped that many people from Aycliffe will turn out to support their home club for the most important game in their history. If you haven’t been before, basketball games are fast and furious, exciting and unpredictable … and (a huge boon in Britain’s uncertain weather) indoors! Lulls in proceedings are filled by Aycliffe’s own KDanz group, who act as wonderful cheerleaders.
Tickets (£7 adult, £5 child) are available on the door or can be pre-booked via the website at www.godurhamwildcats.com
