A WIN IN OVERTIME WAS OVERDUE

Words from the Chairman

- Carl Heslop

We finally ended our losing streak against Surrey in emphatic fashion and it was thoroughly deserved. To see the team, respond to the changes we had made and finally get a tight game over the line was really enjoyable to watch.

Ty showed his class and delivered an MVP performance alongside a supporting cast of many players such as Elvisi and deuce. Special mention goes to Elvisi who was feeling terrible before, during and after the game and soldiered through to put in a tremendous shift and a captain’s performance. The result felt like a true team performance and to stay firm under overtime pressure showed character.

But the main stars of the show were the travelling fans. I have never seen so many away fans at a BBL game and the support was truly amazing. To walk into the sports bar at the Surrey sports park and see the bar full of Patriots fans was a great reception and it really felt like a home game. The following we have created in a short space of time is truly humbling and I really appreciate everyone support.

Part of the travelling fanbase at Surrey was the famous Jasper who has been to every home and away game this season travelling thousands of miles in the process. Creating these stories of how basketball is inspiring children in the city is the core focus of our culture and i’m passionate about driving this agenda.

It’s also been a busy week off the court where we delivered a full week of Half term camps which were really well received. Delivering these give us so much pleasure and seeing everyone get so much from them and inspiring children to enjoy the game is really rewarding.

It was also great to see Patriots receive national coverage on ITV this week regarding our youth programme and the progress of the franchise in a short space of time. Sometimes we don’t realise how far we have come and take stock and nice to get some recognition of what we are doing.

We now turn our attentions to Newcastle who will really see this as an opportunity to climb into playoff contention and drag us out. Although Newcastle has much greater resources, they have been unable to assemble consistent results and we really need to be on top of our game if we are to get anything today.

If we show the spirit in Surrey, we have the tools to get the job done!