CRUNCH CUP WEEKEND FOR WILDCATS

After a free weekend last week, the Durham Wildcats now face a crucial double-header in their quest for a place in the semi-finals of the Patron’s Cup.
With two teams qualifying from each five-team Pool, and each team playing the others in their group only once, there is little room for error. The two Birmingham teams have each lost both their matches, and are effectively out of contention, so the Wildcats’ meetings with the two other unbeaten teams will go a long way to deciding who will progress.
Put simply, if Durham win both of these games, then they will clinch a semi-final berth. If they win one of the two, they will still have a chance of qualifying, but if they lose both they will not go through.
On Saturday, 10th October, the team visit local rivals, and reigning Division 2 play-off Champions, Team Northumbria, in Newcastle, and the following day they host Mansfield Giants, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, tipping off at 3.30pm. 
Coach Dave Elderkin commented, “We have a great rivalry with Northumbria, stretching back to the days when we were in Division 3 together. In the Cup last year we led them for most of the game, until they used their Division 2 experience to edge past us in the closing minutes.
“They also reached the Patron’s Cup Final last year, and they’ll be determined to have another crack at it this time.
“Mansfield are newcomers to the competition, just as we are, but they ran us close in the Division 3 title race last year, and have strengthened their team since then.
“As always we’ll just be taking it one game at a time, and we’ve had a good fortnight’s training to continue blending the new player into the team.
“Whatever the result on Saturday, the match on Sunday is sure to be a thriller, and we’re expecting a large and enthusiastic crowd.”
Patron’s Cup, North Pool – current standings: