Team Durham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Shield 2nd round
Hull Wasps v Team Durham Wildcats

Originally scheduled for October 24 this rearranged second round National Shield game proved a tough test for the Wildcats in every sense of the word.

The move to November 7 meant Stephen Graham, Robert Anderson, James Anderson and Adam Ballard would all miss the journey to Hull, leaving Sam Chambers as the only forward in the squad to face a tall and top of the table Wasps - starting guard Ritchie Summerbell and back up Luke Watson were also unable to travel.

Sam Chambers was taken ill on the eve of the game leaving Team Durham Wildcats with only 3 regulars for the game, and no Forward. Player coach John Morgan worked late into saturday night and secured the services of University first team squad player Simon Hart, making his debut, and U18's David Benham, Harvey Gallagher and Paddy Kelleher to ensure the Wildcats would meet the minimum number of players for the game.

Still work to be done, Carol Benham stepped in to solve the transport problem and the Wildcats hit the road for Hull.

Head Coach Dave Elderkin - the final score of 83 - 59 was a magnificant effort in the circumstances, John Morgan, Adam Henderson and Jordan Bohannon, all Durham University 1st team squad players, combining to score 50 points. I'm so proud of how these senior players have represented the Wildcats, how well the juniors faced up to a tough challenge, and in thanking Carol I feel justified in calling them 'The Magnificant 8'.