Handicap gives Predators chance to down more experienced Rebels
AFTER having to wait half a season for their first victory, Nuneaton Predators were in jubilant mood after beating Team Rebels and going through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.
The Handicap Cup competitions were designed many years ago to give sides like Nuneaton, who are new to Warwickshire Basketball, a chance against more experienced teams, and they took full advantage of their additional point allocation to put out Team Rebels over the two legs with a 147-140 victory.
Not so fortunate, though, Tamworth Tigers who disposed of Nuneaton Predators’ Under 19 side en route to the semi-finals were the club’s under-19 side the veterans of Tile Hill who drew Division Three Trojans 3, while Westwood leaders Tamworth Tigers and Rhinos managed to ease past were hammered 190-118, Ernesford Eagles, after a despite the youngsters having tight first leg saw them go a 35-point start in both legs. into the return trying to
Rugby Rage were too big, protect their lead, which they too strong and too good for did in style, winning 154-130.
The first leg in Stratford went to Tornadoes by three, and they received a further 20 in the return before winning 178-164. Stratford pressed from the off, but Stokes and company were resilient as Stratford closed.
Leading by 19 at the break, Tornadoes were pulled back to nine inside the final period, before Stokes, who finished on 29 and Tyler Slaymaker found gold to open up an unassailable lead and go through.
It was also tough at Coventry College where they started level with Warwick University on 20-20 courtesy of the handicapper. University’s undoing was their first leg result which left them trailing by 17, and it was always going to be difficult for them as College used their experience to keep a margin between them.
University eventually won the second leg 101-98, but College went through to meet Trojans 1, Tornadoes or either Arden Griffins or Warwick China Red who play their postponed fixture this week.
Third-round matches will take place in the second half of February.