Welsh national league round up 26th -27th Sept
Archers Cup Progress, Girls’ Victory and Cougars Century Headline Welsh Weekend
Welsh clubs enjoyed another busy weekend across British Championship Basketball, the National Basketball League and the Basketball Wales National League. Cardiff Met Archers secured two excellent senior victories, the Archers U16 Girls produced one of the weekend’s most emphatic performances, and Cougars opened their BWNL campaign by reaching three figures.
BCB Trophy
Cardiff Met Archers completed their BCB Trophy group campaign with a dramatic 82–80 victory over Bristol Flyers II.
With the contest finely balanced, Alex Koukouravas hit the decisive three-pointer with just 17 seconds remaining. Koukouravas finished with a team-high 20 points as the Archers held their nerve to secure their second Trophy victory and complete the group stage with a 2–2 record.
Men’s National Cup
Cardiff Met followed their BCB success with a commanding 89–66 victory over Bedford Thunder in the Men’s National Cup.
Ben Woog delivered an outstanding double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Takeshi Croke contributed 20 points, eight rebounds and eight steals. The 23-point win completed an excellent senior weekend for the Archers and sent them comfortably into the next round.
Cardiff City Senior Men produced an encouraging performance in an 80–69 defeat against Black Country Steelers. David Wells led City with 25 points, with Hamid Ibrahim adding 13 and Will Corfield scoring 12.
Head coach Ben Flook gave valuable senior minutes to a young squad that remained competitive against established National League opposition. City now return to league action looking to build on their opening Division Two victory.
Basketball Wales National League
Cougars began their BWNL campaign in style with an entertaining 100–79 victory over Caerphilly Cobras.
Dan Tully delivered an outstanding 30-point performance to earn the game’s MVP award, while Ross Davies connected on several important three-pointers. Both teams contributed to an excellent showcase for Welsh basketball, combining for 179 points as the new season began with a flourish.
U18 Women
Cardiff Met Archers U18 Women pushed Reading Rockets in the Sure Shot U18 Women National Cup before being edged out 64–55.
It was a highly encouraging performance against strong national opposition and another important opportunity for Cardiff Met’s developing women’s pathway. The Archers now turn their attention to the league and a meeting with City of Leeds Gold this weekend.
U18 Men
Cardiff Met Archers U18 Men Arrows continued their unbeaten start with an impressive 117–82 victory over Cardiff City in an entertaining all-Welsh contest.
The Arrows moved to 2–0 following another outstanding offensive display. Cardiff City also demonstrated plenty of attacking quality and gained valuable experience against one of the division’s strongest teams.
West Wales Dragons U18 Men maintained their perfect start by defeating Plymouth Basketball 60–48. A disciplined defensive performance and composed finish secured a second consecutive victory for the Dragons.
Cardiff Met Archers U18 Men Bows endured a difficult opening assignment against a strong Huish Taunton Tigers team. The game provided their coaches with a clear benchmark of the national-league standard and an opportunity to identify where the group needs further support. The focus will now be on helping the players respond positively and continue building their confidence throughout the season.
U16 Girls
Cardiff Met Archers U16 Girls delivered one of the standout Welsh performances of the weekend with a superb 83–28 victory over Bracknell Cobras.
The emphatic win was a brilliant start to their league campaign and an exciting demonstration of the talent developing within the Archers’ girls’ programme. Performances such as this provide further encouragement for the continued growth of girls’ basketball across Wales.
U16 Boys
Vale Vipers U16 Boys Black produced one of the weekend’s most dominant performances with a comprehensive 146–31 victory over Dorset Storm.
Ean Alford led the scoring with 27 points, Finley Evans added 18 and Elijah Burnett contributed 17 during an excellent all-round display.
Vale Vipers U16 Boys Orange earned a strong 75–54 victory over West Wales Dragons Green. Both Welsh teams produced encouraging spells, with Vale eventually creating the separation needed to secure the win. The West Wales coaches will be able to use those positive periods as a foundation for the group’s continued development.
Cardiff Met Archers U16 Boys recorded an excellent 63–54 victory over Bath Panthers. The Archers remained composed throughout a competitive contest and executed well in the closing stages to complete a nine-point win.
Cardiff Tribal Hunters U16 Boys also impressed, defeating Bristol Flyers II 69–53. Tribal’s defensive intensity helped them control the game and continue their positive start to the season.
U14 Boys
Vale Vipers U14 Boys pushed Kingston Lions throughout a closely fought Western Premier contest before narrowly losing 75–69. Vale remained within striking distance until the final stages and can take plenty from competing so strongly against high-level opposition.
Cardiff Tribal Hunters U14 Boys were also involved in a close game, eventually falling 65–58 against Bristol Hurricanes. Tribal battled throughout and remained firmly in contention against a strong Hurricanes side.
Cardiff Met Archers U14 Boys endured a difficult day against Bristol Sonics. The group now understands the standard it is working towards, and its coaches will work hard to provide the support, teaching and encouragement needed to help the players improve. There is a long season ahead and every opportunity for the young Archers to develop, grow in confidence and bounce back positively.
U12 Mixed
West Wales Dragons U12 Mixed opened their campaign against Oxford Hoops, with Oxford taking a 58–38 victory. The young Dragons produced several encouraging passages of play and gained valuable national-league experience. Their coaches can now build on those positive moments while continuing to create an enjoyable and supportive environment for the group.
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Saturday 3 October
- West Wales Dragons U12 Mixed vs Aylesbury Dux U12 Mixed
- Vale Vipers U12 Mixed vs Kennet Kingfishers U12 Mixed
- Cardiff Met Archers U14 Girls vs Solent Kestrels U14 Girls II
- Cardiff Tribal Hunters U14 Boys vs Cornwall Saracens U14 Boys
- Vale Vipers Orange U16 Boys vs Bath Panthers U16 Boys
- Vale Vipers Black U16 Boys vs Huish Taunton Tigers U16 Boys
- West Wales Dragons White U16 Boys vs Exeter Spartans U16 Boys
- Cardiff Met Archers Arrows U18 Men vs Plymouth Patriots U18 Men
- Cardiff Met Archers Bows U18 Men vs Bristol Storm U18 Men
- West Wales Dragons U18 Men vs Cornwall Saracens U18 Men
- Cardiff City U18 Men vs Huish Taunton Tigers U18 Men
- Cardiff Met Archers vs B. Braun Sheffield Hatters — Women’s Super League Basketball
- Cardiff City Senior Men vs Bath Basketball
- Mold Magic vs West Coast Warriors — BWNL
Sunday 4 October
- Cardiff Met Archers U14 Boys vs Plymouth Patriots U14 Boys
- Cardiff Met Archers U16 Boys vs Bristol Hurricanes U16 Boys
- Cardiff Met Archers U18 Women vs City of Leeds Gold U18 Women
- Cardiff Tribal Hunters U18 Women vs Lancashire Spinners U18 Women
- Cardiff Met Archers vs Ynys Môn Druids — BWNL
