Jumping through Hoops!
ST BEDE’S’ DELIGHT AS THEY DEFEND EAGLES’ TOURNAMENT TITLE
SOUTH Tyneside were the first Hoops4Health council area of 2018 to play at a Newcastle Eagles game with St Bede’s returning to try and retain their crown.
Last year’s semi finalists East Boldon, Stanhope and St Oswald’s RC also returned hungry to take the title for themselves.
The teams had earned their place in the prestigious Sport Central final - played on the same night as the Eagles’ BBL clash with Leicester Riders - by finishing in the top four out of 47 teams who took part in a tournament at Temple Park, South Shields.
Last year’s finalists East Boldon and St Bede’s were drawn in separate semis giving both the chance to make it back to the decider.
East Boldon took to the court first, facing St Oswald’s RC.
The teams were evenly matched and only one basket separated the two schools - East Boldon clinching the 2-0 victory.
Next up were St Bede’s, who took on Stanhope.
The match went the same way as the first semi with one basket separating the two teams - sending St. Bede’s through to yet another final.
It took place during the half-time interval, St Bede’s netting the first shot to take a 2-0 advantage.
As the game progressed St Bede’s grew in confidence and claimed the majority of possession - romping through to a convincing 8-0 victory.
All four teams were brought on to court to be presented with their relevant medals, St Bede’s again lifting the cup.
The presentations were made by Louise Hunter, Director of Corporate Affairs at Northumbrian Water, and Paul Blake, ManagingDirector of the Eagles.
St Bede’s now progress to the Champion of Champions tournament in May
It will also feature the winers of the North Tyneside, Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland finals.
The event was supported by Northumbrian Water with the Powered by Water campaign delivering important water messages on hydration.