Shortage of players forces Tornadoes to call it a day

Tenterden Tornadoes Basketball Club have folded due to a shortage of players.

The decision was taken at last’s month’s annual meeting when only eight committed themselves ahead of the new East Kent League season which begins in October.

The club were due to celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2015.

Founder member Ben Pattenden said: “It’s a great shame and I am disappointed.

“We have had some great seasons and great teams through the years but it is down to lack of interest and not having enough players.

“Eight said they would play but it’s not enough, we need at least 12-14.”

Based at Homewood School, the club fielded A and B teams in the EKBL, the latter reaching the final of the East Kent Basketball Association’s Adrian Cook Final in April before losing to Folkestone Saints.

Members of the A squad are set to linkup with Saints, while B team members are set to switch to Ashford Outlaws, based at the Stour Centre.

Tornadoes beat Dover in a farewell match on Monday night, with past and present players taking part.