BIG PUSH REQUIRED TILL THE END OF THE SEASON

Words from the Chairman - Carl Heslop

Quality prevailed in our last outing at the pavilions with the London Lions showing what money and talent can do to a team when they are in full flow. I can accept being beat by the better team on the day and some of the basketball played by the lions was exceptional and they really have set the standard for us all to chase.

I thought our two debutants did well and tried their hardest to get into the game. Otas with 12 rebounds showed what he was all about and when Ralph finds his range, we can cause teams a few problems.

We however struggled to cause Bristol problems on Friday night with a lacklustre performance on the road in the local derby. Bristol were well controlled and took their chances when they came against a scrappy Patriots who need to be a lot more efficient and clinical today.

Facing Cheshire at home for the first time this season, we will really need to impose ourselves early and not give teams the impetus to control the game. Cheshire are known for grinding games out and if we are serious about the playoffs we need to show up and take the game to them. Facing them at home in the final stages of the season could be crucial and we need to use the pavilions to our advantage.

Off the court we have been finalising our preparations for our U16s development team’s participation in an international French tournament. I’m really excited to take them away to play overseas in their first season which will be an unbelievable experience for them all.

We have also in the final stages of announcing our academy trials and open days if your child is interested in being part of the Patriots academy this September. The fact the city will once again have a dedicated basketball academy with a strong educational partner is something I am immensely proud of. Under the guidance of Joe Hart, I believe this is going to really grow both in size and quality and be a real jewel in the Patriots crown.

In closing I would like to celebrate all the mothers coming to the game today and look forward to giving you all a great day of basketball. Being someone who was guided and influenced greatly by my mother, I look forward to seeing so many mums enjoying themselves and we salute the positive impact you have on all your children with you at the game today.

Its Mother’s Day so let’s do it for the mums!