Flyers fall short in U18’s National Cup Final

The Bristol Academy Flyers Under 18's could not emulate the senior men by winning the junior National cup this Sunday, falling short the final hurdle. They lost 64-50 to a strong Sheffield Sharks team.

The game started well for the Bristol side with them scoring the first  basket of the game with an Enrique Garcia lay up but their positive start was short lived. After this first basket Sheffield went on an 11-0 run to snuff out the Flyer's early optimism. The sharks continued their strong attack and by the end of the first quarter they lead 21-7.

A shellshocked Flyers came out in the second quarter with more determination than the first but it wasn't changing anything for the Bristol team. They got good shots on offence but they weren’t getting any second chances. On the other hand the Sharks were dominating on the boards on both ends of the floor and this meant they maintained a lead going into half time. Up 11,34 to 23.

The 3rd quarter came and it was one that Flyers needed to win if they were going to lift the trophy. Mike Farage made some big plays for Bristol but these were always matched by some cheap points in transition or second chance points for the Sheffield outfit.  At the end of this quarter the score was 54 to 35 with final pretty much out of reach for the Flyers.

However, when they stepped onto the floor for the last ten minutes they started to show the heart that had got them to the final stage of the competition. Rob Loftman started to ignite at the offensive end and the defense gelled as well. The Flyers started to show self belief and clawed their way back to within 8 points but unfortunately this was as close as they got. The Sharks ran out victors 64 - 50.

Although obviously disappointed the coach of the Bristol side remained positive " If you would have asked me before the season if i would be happy to reach to a final i would say definitely. Once we got here though being in a final wasn't enough. Unfortunately we did represent ourselves have we have in previous rounds and this was to our detriment as it cost us the game. I am proud of the team, I just wish they were all holding a different medal".

Top scorers for Flyers were R Loftman 16 and E Garcia 16.