18 OCTOBER 2004
http://seren.bangor.ac.uk
SPORT
“HANG TIME” FOR BANGOR? B
Emma Gascgoine reports on the Mens Basketball teams progress so far this year
ANGOR’S Basketball team has started the new season with high hopes of defending their title after wining the BUSA Basketball League. The North Wales Amateur League Champions were also undefeated in BUSA division 3 and went on to reach the BUSA plate final. In the semi-finals of this competition Bangor defeated Aberdeen, the wealthiest team in the competition who play in a £12.5 million arena - something which Bangor certainly can’t compete with, leaving only their hard work and determination to win the game. This commitment and passionate drive was put to the test when Bangor went on play Kingston University in the final. Despite loosing, the team went away proud, as Kingston controversially fielded their top Academy professional team: London United, rather than their regular season University side. Not only were Bangor “cheated” but also were the “real” Kingston team who had earned their place in the final to play but were left on the
bench. Bangor were promoted to division 2A after last year’s performance and Team Captain, Joe McKenna was doubtful the team would have the experience to stay up in the new BUSA league. After two weeks into training, however, Joe said: “I was surprised by how many new players are available to the club and I believe we have a stronger team and could even make it through to the national finals again.” Alan Kealy (scouted by the Irish National Senior Men’s Coaches) will coach the team alongside Joe. Alan played starting pointguard and court captain last year and is currently recovering from a serious ankle injury. Alan commended Kris Williams (who is being scouted to play professionally in Sweden) and Dan Westover (awarded the Most Valuable People last season) for their regular commitment and outstanding effort on and off the court last year. Both Joe and Alan hope for them to lead by example for the clubs future
players. Fresh talent includes Jordon Groves who spent a year out in an American University and also played for a professional team in Britain. Andy Glazewski also deservedly joins the first-team after 2 years of training and working with the club. This year the club has sponsorship from Patrick’s Bar, Holyhead Road. Owner Patrick Barry said: “I watched the lads successful performance last year and wanted my pub to be associated with them.” (You can check out Patrick’s Bar online at www.patricksbar.com) The team’s goals for this year include getting promoted into the top BUSA league and achieving national recognition. Also, after winning “The AU Team of the Year 20032004”, the team wants to reclaim this award for a consecutive year. The first game of the season was away at Mold Magic and ended 91 - 26 to Bangor, followed by a tough home win against Wirral Metros, 84 – 66.
Joe was “very pleased” with the victories and said: “The last time we beat Mold Magic the score was 92 – 27 which confirms my ideas that we are just as strong as we were last year.” Joe stressed that he would like to see more people giving support to the team at home games. Information will be posted on the Intranet a couple of days in advance before each game with the time and venue. Training is held on Monday at Maes Glas 8pm-10pm, Tuesday (team only) at Normal Site 6pm till 8pm and Saturday 2pm till 4pm at Maes Glas. Alternatively you can email Joe at osue60@bangor.ac.uk or check out the website: www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/basketball for information on the team or how to become involved. If you’re interested in joining they are looking for people who are prepared to give 110% to the team, keeping Bangor firmly fixed on the map for Basketball excellence.
IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN
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Two of the team members practicing at a recent training session
he Rugby League is Bangors newest club, from its creation last January has already played two competitive matches against Wrexham and Liverpool. It’s first championship game was played only a few weeks ago, Bangor went down bravely 52 points to 10. The team played excellently in attack but were starved of possession due to lack of defensive experience. We hope to build on this. This year, the team are in the Cheshire League, playing teams from
the Rugby League heartlands, Manchester Uni, Man. Met, MMU Cheshire and also local rivals Chester and Wrexham. The club has around 20 members and is the first Rugby league club in the UWB for at least a decade, the last team being part of the Normal site college, over 5 years ago. Any support is greatly appreciated at our home games, as we look to make Bangor’s first Rugby league season, a successful one.