FINAL PLAY OFF PUSH REQUIRED

Words from the Chairman - Carl Heslop

We barely draw breath as we are back home at the Pavilions following a much-needed win at Surrey Sports Park last night. In a game that went back and forwards in double digits the guys dug in to get the win over the line. With games running out it was a much-needed victory as the club looks to secure a second play off place.

Sharing the points was key and if we are to get further points this season, we need to ensure we have performances across the roster. Although a huge performance from Deuce last night set the tone, it was support from RB, Elvisi, James and Ty who got us over the line. Although the guys will be jaded today, we need every ounce of the energy to get a result against a very powerful Caledonia team who are still buzzing from their epic Trophy win.

I would also like to thank our amazing fans who travelled again to Surrey to cheer the team on. I’m really humbled and proud of our fans who really put the miles in and gave the team the lift they required on the road to get the win. Always appreciated and cement your place as the best fans in the league.

I’m gutted to not be there today as I’m in France with our U16s youth team, but we managed to all squeeze around Joe Harts laptop last night and watch the game. As nail biting as it was it was great to see the team do the business with all our youth team cheering them on.

Our trip to France has been brilliant for our U16s team, getting them to experience a different culture and language and battle against a much higher level of basketball. We have competed against the very best from Canada, Belgium and France playing against U18 national champions who have shown a different level and style of basketball to the UK. As our youth programmes grow, we want our international trips to be the norm, representing our city, our club and raising the aspirations of our players to aspire to play at the very highest level.

Today we will also be celebrating our main sponsor Portcullis Legals who have been a great support in our second season as Patriots. Trevor worth is a big supporter of sport in the city, and we have been proud to have been promoting their brand this season on our kits. Thank you Trevor and Portcullis and we look forward to a continued partnership as both our organisations grow.