Bury St. Edmunds Basketball Club were “shocked and saddened” at hearing of the recent passing of one of their founder members, and their Coach of the Decade for the 1980’s, John Symons earlier this week.
“John loved the game of basketball – and supported the growth of it as a player, coach, referee and club administrator” said Head Coach Arron MacDonald.
“John was an absolute gent, and while he had relocated, he often attended games and supported us, and I've benefited greatly from his counsel over the years, both as a player and coach. Our club wouldn’t be here without John having been such a big part of our history, and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Following a perfectly-observed one minute silence, the Bulldogs Reserve team faced their toughest challenge of the season, a Suffolk Cup Quarter final against Division 1 Colchester Bulls.
Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead, with four of the starters getting on the scoresheet early, but the Bulls bounced back with a run of their own to close the quarter, with Bulldogs holding a 26-18 advantage, as young wing Oli Cowling almost outscored the visitors on his own, tallying sixteen points, while Captain Glenn Collins plagued the Bulls at both ends, with five assists and four steals.
A superb defensive stand to open the second quarter allowed Bulldogs to build their lead, as the rotating core of Trye, Thompson, Binns and Read controlled the defensive glass while notching a number of assists to help the Bulldogs settle into the game and weather another Bulls’ run, while a David Wise scoring spree and a pair of three’s from Jim Walker saw the hosts lead 42-29 at the half.
A defensive battle ensued in the second half, as the teams combined for only 62 points – but Bulldogs maintained their cushion, with Ward and Borkett also contributing off the bench in a 71-62 upset victory that sees them into the semi-finals of the Suffolk Cup.
Cowling and Collins were named co-players of the game for Bulldogs by Coach Rob Fisher, while Wise (24) and Cowling (22) led the way offensively, while Binns, Read, Trye and Thompson all had double-digit rebounding games to anchor a superb defensive effort.
“I’m so very proud of the team for that performance.” Said Coach Fisher
“They played with purpose and pride. They played for each other, and they enjoyed and expressed themselves.”
"That's the result of the season, so far." added Coach MacDonald.
"The guys have played with freedom and put in a hell of a performance, and like Coach Fisher, I'm proud of them for it. I'm over the moon for Fish though, because I know how much this meant to him."
Up next for the Bulldogs Reserve side is a visit from league-leading Clacton Cannons at Skyliner on 20th January at 6:15pm.
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