League Winners 2019: Chester do the Double!

Victory over Charnwood College Riders on Saturday 17^thMarch marked another significant milestone in the progression of the University of Chester Men’s Basketball Club. Following the capture of the National Shield in early February, the University’s National League side wrapped up the Division 3 Northern Conference title with an 81-92 win away to Charnwood College Riders.

The University of Chester finished the domestic season with a 19-3 record in the league, with two more wins than 2^ndplace Team Derby Spartans.

Unfortunately, the National League side, missing several key members of the team, were unable maintain their high-performance levels in the play-offs, and were beaten in the Quarter Final by Essex Blades.

Nevertheless, after claiming the league title, the University are now eligible for promotion to NBL Division 2, the second highest division for amateur basketball players in this country.

With the BUCS Men’s 1^stTeam maintaining BUCS Division 1 status, only narrowly missing out on the BUCS title in the final game of the season, this has been a season of unprecedented success for the club but it is just another step along the path to making this institution a recognised centre of excellence for the sport of Basketball.

Speaking with BUCS First Team Coach Niel Gillard:

“This season has been an incredible journey. At the start of the season we set ourselves targets which we knew would be tough to achieve, but were attainable, nonetheless. After some initial setbacks, we were able to work together as a team to overcome those setbacks and put together some incredible performances. It really is a great feeling to have achieved our targets and we are now looking forward to new challenges as we strive to continuously improve.”
Niel Gillard, BUCS First Team Coach