Up-T-Hoop

Bradford Dragons spilled an 11 point half time lead to lose 71 – 86 to London United – Richmond College in the last game of the season to miss out on the play off final in London. In the first quarter, Dragons dominated the game with the offence moving well as Daumants Pabrieza drove to the basket for lay ups to take Dragons to a strong 25 – 19 lead at the first break, with only three triples from Rich Wellings keeping the London side in the game. In a similar pattern to the National Shield final a month earlier against the same team, Dragons kept control of the game and pulled further ahead in the second quarter to lead 46 – 35 at half time. London United then came back strongly into the game with the outstanding Harper draining in triples on his way to a game high 30 points to lead 56 – 66 at the final break as the London side restricted Dragons to win the third quarter 31 - 10. Dragons took nearly 5 minutes to score in the final quarter and although they pulled it back to an 8 point game late in the quarter, a triple attempt from Luke Malek that went in and out broke the Dragons revival as London kept their composure to hit their shots from the charity stripe and run out deserved winners 86 – 71 on the night.
After the game, Coach Chris Mellor said, ‘We played pretty good first half but we were abysmal in the second half as we stopped moving the ball on offence and played way to much one on one. Defensively we contained Harper for 20 minutes but after half time he was excellent and controlled the game for London. It was a disappointing way to end the season but winning the league means much more to us as a Club than the end of season play offs’.

For Dragons, Vance Silcott lead with 15 points, Daumants Pabrieza scored 12 and Sean James made 9 points. 

Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U14 were the first Dragons junior team to make the EBL play off stages and played well against unbeaten Sheffield Junior Sharks but lost 64 – 94 on the night.

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

Bradford Dragons cruised past Portsmouth City Smugglers 114 – 86 in the quarter final north v south play off clash to set up a return match at home with London United – Richmond College on Saturday 27/1/10 in the semi final of the EBL Division 3 play offs. In the first quarter, with both sides scoring freely, Dragons were first out of the blocks to set up a lead only for Portsmouth to pull back into the game with some eye catching moves from Matt Guymon to give Dragons a 28 – 23 win at the first break. With Coach Mellor demanding more defensive intensity and the Dragons fast break finding the bucket, Dragon pulled away to a 54 – 37 lead at half time. In the third quarter with Vance Silcott dominating the boards at both ends, Dragons won the stanza by 1 to lead 79 – 61 at the final break. Urged on by the noisy home crowd who were enjoying a free flowing high scoring game, Dragons won all quarters to close out Portsmouth 114 – 86 at the buzzer.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 18, Luke Malek scored 17 and Daumants Pabrieza hit 15 as all 12 Dragons players scored.
After the game Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford said ‘Although our defence took a bit of a holiday, we comfortably outscored Portsmouth throughout the game and gave the crowd something to cheer about. We are now set up for the semi-final draw we wanted against the team that beat us in the National Shield final in Manchester last month, London United – Richmond College. The players are still hurting from losing our first ever national final and are looking forward to playing London United again. They won their quarter final play off against Sheffield Sabres comfortably so there is a terrific game in prospect from two form teams as the top of the north and south EBL division 3 for Dragons last home game of the most successful season ever. We are expecting a large home crowd and I know the players badly want to make the play off finals to win another trophy for Bradford.’

Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U14 beat Stockport away 95 – 88 and then 141 - 69 at home in a double header win that gives Coach Tamas Okros the honour of leading the first ever Dragons junior team into the EBL play offs, Dragons U16 lost away to second place Middlesbrough Lions 56 – 70, Dragons 2 men lost 77 – 90 away to Whitcliffe Cowboys but then finished off the season with a 60 - 52 away win at Tadcaster Tornadoes in the Leeds League division 1 game. Dragons U15 point guard Tom North also celebrated his call up to the Wales U16 squad as Dragons first ever junior international player.

Dragon’s last home game of the season is the EBL division 3 semi final play off game against London United – Richmond College on Saturday 27thh March at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE. If Dragons win this game they will travel to the play off finals in the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London on 10th April.
Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

14-03-10 DOUBLE JOY FOR DRAGONS AS THEY BEAT BRADFORD MAROONS 83 - 72 AT HOME AND TYNE MET TROJANS 102 – 85 AWAY

Bradford Dragons finished off the regular EBL division 3 north season in style with a 83 – 72 local derby win at home against neighbours Bradford Maroons, then travelled to play basement side Tyne Met Trojans to win 102 - 85. Before the start of the game, Dragons received the EBL division 3 north winners cup in front of a packed and noisy Trinity Green crowd. The largest home crowd of the season saw a bright start by Dragons give way to a Maroons charge with Rihards Sulcs on fire with 12 first quarter points to leave Dragons trailing 22 – 25 at the first break. Maroons continued to pressure the game with some big triples from beyond the arc to edge the second quarter to leave Dragons training 39 – 43 at half time. With guest DJ and legendary basketball announcer Mike Shaft whipping the crowd up, Dragons fought back into the game with Tom Martin making some tough lay ups to take the third stanza 25 – 16 to lead 64 – 59 at the final break as Maroons began to tire. In the last quarter, Dragons gradually eased further ahead as they controlled the boards at both ends and finished the game in style with an alley-oop from top scorer Vance Silcott to give Dragons their first home win against Maroons in five seasons by 83 – 72.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 28, Tom Martin scored 17 and Jimi Pournoori hit 13.

After the game Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford said ‘As usual the Dragons v Maroons game was a tight game and a great advert for Bradford basketball in front of our largest ever crowd. The game was tough with no quarter asked and no quarter given. Dragons Coaches Chris Mellor and Mike Thompson have done a great job to win the northern EBL division 3 with a 21 – 1 win record bearing in mind we had 6 new players this season, plus 2 new players who joined us during the season. We look forward to playing in the EBL division 2 next season but we still have three more possible play off games to go this season’.

Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U16 beat table toppers Durham Wildcats 61 -59 at home, Dragons U14 lost 85 – 118 to unbeaten Cheshire Jets U14 and Dragons 2 men lost a nail biter by 52 – 53 to York Vikings in the Leeds League division 1 home game.

Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is the EBL division 3 quarter final play off game against Portsmouth City Smugglers on Saturday 20thh March at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions
If Dragons win this game they will play in the play off semi finals on 27th March at home at 6.15pm, possibly against London United who beat Dragons in the National Shield final in Manchester last month.

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

07-03-10 DRAGONS WIN DIVISION 3 MEN [NORTH] WITH A 89 – 71 WIN AT LEEDS CARNEGIE 2

With two games still left in the regular season, Bradford Dragons have now been confirmed as winners of the EBL division 3 [north] following a convincing 89 – 71 road win at neighbours Leeds Carnegie Seconds. Facing a strong and physical Leeds defence, Dragons shaded the first quarter to lead 16 – 13 at the break. Carnegie reduced a second quarter 13 point deficit but Dragons still lead 40 – 32 at the half. Despite a full court Carnegie press, Dragons also took the third quarter with an emphatic dunk on the break by Boycho Branzov bringing the crowd to its feet to lead 65 – 50 at the end of the third stanza. With Coach Mellor running the bench throughout, Dragons took all quarters to coast to a comfortable 89 – 71 win at the final buzzer.
For Dragons, Sean James top scored with 18 points, Vance Silcott and Craig Wilson each made 15 as nine Dragons players got on the score sheet.
After the game Dragons Coach Chris Mellor said, ‘I thought we came out a bit flat in the first half and conceded way to many easy scores. We were much better at both ends in the second half’.
Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U14 won 102 - 79 away at Oldham Titans, Dragons U16 crashed 42 – 92 away to York Vikings and Dragons 2 men lost 54 - 62 away to local rivals Leeds Tigers.

Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is the last of the regular season against local rivals Bradford Maroons on Saturday 13th March at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE. Dragons have never won a home derby game and will want to win this game ahead of the home play off quarter final against Portsmouth City Smugglers on 20th March. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

Bradford Dragons cruised to a comfortable home win 90 – 72 to stay top of EBL division 3 [north] and remain on course for promotion. Putting aside the disappointment of last weeks defeat in the National Shield final in Manchester, Dragons started slowly but edged to a first quarter lead of 18 – 16 against a youthful Derby Trailblazers 2 outfit. Urged on by a noisy home crowd, Dragons increased the defensive pressure on the visitors and cut loose in offence with Sean James on his way to a game high haul of 35 points to lead 48 – 28 at half time. Dragons took the third quarter 20 – 17 and then with Coach Mellor running the bench players in the game, Dragons eased off in the final quarter to win 90 – 72 at the final buzzer.
For Dragons, Sean James top scored with 35 points, Vance Silcott made 18 and Aaron Kaye hit 10 points.
After the game Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford said, ‘This was a comfortable win and keeps us on course for promotion. Our next home game on 13th March is against our local rivals Bradford Maroons in the local derby game and we hope all basketball fans in the area will be here to watch the special promotion we are putting on. In five years of intense local rivalry we have never beaten Maroons on our home court so basketball fans can expect an exciting game’.
Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U14 won away at Oldham Titans 89 – 61.

Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is against local rivals Bradford Maroons on Saturday 13th March at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. This is the last game of the regular season. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

21-02-10 DRAGONS BEAT SHEFFIELD SABRES 73 – 60 IN THE LEAGUE THEN LOSE 89 – 95 IN THE NATIONAL SHIELD FINAL AGAINST LONDON UNITED - RICHMOND COLLEGE

Bradford Dragons beat Sheffield Sabres away in the EBL division 3 game 73 – 60 but then lost 89 – 95 in the final of the National Shield to London United – Richmond College the following day. Against Sabres, Dragons bossed the first period to lead 20 – 12 at the first break then stretched the lead in the next quarter to hold a comfortable 41 – 27 advantage at half time. Dragons then took their foot off the gas and went scoreless in the third quarter until the seven minute with a trey from Sean James, allowing Sabres to win the quarter 24 – 9 and hold a narrow 51 – 50 lead at the final break. Two steals and lay ups from Daumants Pabrieza sparked a Dragons revival as they stormed back to take the final quarter by 23 – 9 points and close out the game 73 – 60.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 25 points, Sean James made 16 and Craig Wilson hit 12 points,
The following day Dragons travelled to the Manchester ABC to play in their first ever national final against a talented London United team. Dragons took the first quarter 27 – 20 but with point guard Daumants Pabrieza in early foul trouble, London United shaded the second quarter to cut Dragons half time lead to 51 – 46. With the Dragons making 18 turnovers in the game and the defence struggling to control London’s Andy Harper on his way to the MVP title and a game high 31 points and the lead changing hands several times, it was London United who lead the quarter to take a 70 – 67 lead at the break. In the final stanza, with Dragons tiring and struggling to hold the London offence, Sean James made two from the charity strip to level the game at 82 all with 5 minutes to go. However, London United point guard Caylin Raftopoulos sank two killer treys to pull the London side back in front by 6 with two minutes to go as the London side held on to win.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 18 points and 16 rebounds, Aaron Kay scored 18 and Sean James also pulled out a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
After the game Dragons Coach Chris Mellor said,’ To concede 95 points was very disappointing as our defence has always been what we base everything around. We played OK in the first half but after the break they beat us in transition and we struggled to contain their guards, particularly Harper who played very well. We are all obviously disappointed but if we can win the league title that will soften the blow’
Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U16 lost away to Derbyshire Arrows 50 - 62, Dragons U13 travelled to Doncaster and beat Barnsley 74 - 24 but then lost 32 – 43 to second place Hatfield Fliers and Dragons U14 beat Liverpool 112 - 60 at home.
Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is against Derby Trailblazers 2 on Saturday 27th February at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website a www.bradforddragons.co.uk

07-02-10 DRAGONS WIN 77 – 60 ON THE ROAD AT LOUGHBOROUGH CARDINALS TO STAY TOP

Bradford Dragons maintained their promotion push with an assured 77 – 60 road win at third place Loughborough Cardinals. Following last Sundays National Shield semi final win against the Cardinals, the first quarter saw a slight advantage to the Cardinals as they edged the period 12 – 11 at the break. The Dragons defence then took control to win the second stanza 25 – 9 to establish a commanding 36 – 21 lead at half time. Although Cardinals edged the third quarter 22 – 21, Dragons took the final quarter by 3 points to run out comfortable 77 – 60 winners on the night with 9 players on the scoreboard.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 22 points and Craig Wilson and Luke Malek each hit 12 points.
After the game Dragons Coach Chris Mellor said, ‘It was a very good team performance, we showed patience and executed very well offensively. To hold a talented team like Loughborough to 60 points was very pleasing’.
Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U15 travelled to Barrow and lost 84 - 108, an injury ravaged Dragons U14 went down 56 - 110 to visitors Oldham Titans, and then lost away 38 - 138 to a powerful Cheshire Jets U14 side, Dragons U13 travelled to York to lose 39 – 46 to Leeds Carnegie but beat York Eagles U13 by 42 – 40 points.
Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is against City of Nottingham Tribe on Saturday 13th February at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

Bradford Dragons beat Sefton Stars on the buzzer 81 – 79 to stay top of the league. Sefton recovered from a slow start to take a 26 – 21 lead at the first break and then won the second quarter to lead 48 – 37 at half time as Dragons struggled to find their offensive rhythm. Dragons increased the defensive effort to edge the third quarter by one to trail 55 – 65 at the final break. A big trey by Aaron Kay led a Dragons charge as they pulled level at 67 apiece with 5 minutes to go. With Vance Silcott going the charity stripe to hit a brace of free throws, Dragons pulled ahead only for Sefton to tie the game with seconds to go. A Silcott rebound and shot on the buzzer enabled Dragons to win the game 81- 79 and stay top of Division 3 [north]
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 16, Sean James weighed in with 15, and Craig ‘Big Bird’ Wilson and Aaron Kay both hit 13 points. 
The following night Dragons beat Loughborough Cardinals 84 - 66 in the semi final of the National Shield to set up Dragons first ever national final on 21st February in Manchester against London United Richmond. In front of special guest Gerry Sutcliffe, the UK Minister for Sport, Aaron Kay led the Dragons into battle dropping 3 treys to give Dragons a 27 – 18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Luke Malek then joined the 3 point fest as Dragons pulled ahead but an ankle injury to playmaker Daumants Pabrieza allowed the Cardinals back into the game as they edged the quarter to leave Dragons leading 45 – 37 at half time. Dragons took the third quarter with an outstanding fast break spin move from point guard Jimi Pournoori as Dragons led 61 – 50 at the final break. On his way to a season best haul of 7 treys, Luke Malek led a three point fest as Dragons hit 14 treys in the game to announce the return of the Dragons outside game and give Dragons a convincing 84 – 66 win on the night.
For Dragons, Luke Malek was on fire with 23 points, Rai Pabrieza made 12 and Aaron Kay and Sean James both made 11 points each.
After the game Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford said, ‘This has been a huge weekend for the Club. We just managed to dig out a win on the buzzer against a talented Sefton side to stay top of the league and then we beat the team third in the division to set up our first ever national final at the ABC in Manchester next month. The Team and Coaches are to be congratulated for battling through injuries to deliver when it counted’.
Elsewhere for Dragons, Dragons U16 had a convincing road win 79 – 65 against Barnsley Leaders, Dragons 2 won 65 – 54 to make it two wins in a row against visitors Whitcliffe Cowboys in the Leeds League division 1 game, Dragons U14 went down 45 – 91 to Manchester Magic at home and Dragons U15 also went down 57 – 105 at home to a powerful Magic U15 team but Dragons U13 beat Barnsley Leaders U13 50 – 18 and then won an exciting game by 49 – 47 against visitors Hartlepool Hornets.
Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is against City of Nottingham Tribe on Saturday 13th February at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

Following last nights thrilling last second EBL division 3 league win on the buzzer by 81 – 79 against visitors Sefton Stars, Dragons play Loughborough Cardinals in the semi final of the National Shield today at Bradford College, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE with the game tipping off at 5pm. A place in the first ever final for a Bradford Dragons team is the prize on offer for the home side.
Bradford Dragons Chairman, Stuart Culliford said, ‘We are pleased to have Gerry Sutcliffe at the home game today and it is great to see a local MP and Minister for Sport supporting local sports teams at a grass roots level. We appreciated him taking time out of his busy schedule to show his support for sport and for a local team. Although we did not play well yesterday, we fought back from a 14 point deficit in the third quarter to snatch victory in the last millisecond of the game. We will need to play better today to overcome Loughborough. Although we beat them earlier in the season at home, they gave us a very tough game and we will have to raise ours if we are to send our supporter’s home happy’.
Dragons play in the semi final of the National Shield against Loughborough Cardinals on Sunday 31/1/10 at 5.00pm at Bradford College. The prize on offer is a place in the National Shield final on Sunday 21/2/10 at the ABC Centre in Manchester. If Dragons make the final this would be the first ever national final for any team in the Club’s history. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

Bradford Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of new shooting guard Tom Martin ahead of a big weekend for the club. At 6’1”, Tom Martin played last season for the EBL division 2 winning team at Leeds Met Carnegie. Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford said, ‘We have been tracking Tom all season when we learnt he had finished with Carnegie and when we heard his plans for playing division 1 with Manchester Magic had not worked out, we approached him and I am now pleased to report we have signed him and he is fit and available for selection this weekend by Coach Chris Mellor. Tom has had experience of playing in higher divisions and comes to us from an excellent programme at Carnegie. He will add to what we already have in the back court and give us some fresh options on court. He may take a while to hit full match fitness and to bed into the team but he is hungry to play. We have a huge weekend coming up with a national semi final on Sunday so we expect two great games of basketball for fans and supporters’.
Dragon’s are looking for another league win on Saturday to stay top of EBL division 3 north in their push for promotion and will give their all to win Sunday in the semi final of the National Shield against Loughborough to get to the Club’s first ever national final.
Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is against Sefton Stars on Saturday 30th January at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions
Dragons then play the following day in the semi final of the National Shield against Loughborough Cardinals on Sunday 31/1/10 at 5.00pm at Bradford College. The prize on offer is a place in the National Shield final on Sunday 21/2/10 at the ABC Centre in Manchester. If Dragons make the final this would be the first ever national final for any team in the Club’s history. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

24-01-10 DRAGONS BACK ON TRACK WITH 84 – 45 ROAD WIN AT STOCKPORT FALCONS

Bradford Dragons bounced back from last weeks home loss to Sheffield Saints with an emphatic away win at Stockport Falcons by 84 – 45 to stay top of the EBL division 3 north. Dragons went back to basics on defence and restricted the home side to 8 points to lead 15 – 8 at the first break. With Craig ‘Big Bird’ Wilson in dominant form at both ends of the court, the Dragons defence pinned down Stockport to 8 points in the second stanza as Dragons pulled away to a 36 – 16 lead at half time. The Dragons defensive effort remained focused in the third quarter to again lock down Stockport to 7 points to give Dragons a 58 – 23 lead at the penultimate break. In the final quarter, Dragons eased off the defensive gas and allowed Stockport their biggest quarter score of the game but Dragons still won the quarter 26 – 22 to give Dragons an emphatic win 84 – 45 at the final buzzer.
For Dragons, Daumants Pabrieza top scored with 22, Craig Wilson had a season high haul of 19 and the ever dependable Vance Silcott scored 17.
After the game Dragons Coach Chris Mellor said, ‘We needed a good performance tonight to get us back on track and the team delivered it. We got a good kick up the backside last week losing to Saints and I told the team all week that defence got us here and defence will keep us here’.
Elsewhere, Dragons U16 lost away to division toppers Durham Wildcats 70 – 82 to end their run of four wins, Dragons U14 went down heavily at home by 66 – 126 to a powerful Cheshire Jets side, and earlier in the week, Dragons 2 men pulled out a surprise over time win 67 - 65 away to Halifax Cobras.
Dragon’s next EBL division 3 home game is against Sefton Stars on Saturday 30th January at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

Dragons then play the following day in the semi final of the National Shield against Loughborough Cardinals on Sunday 31/1/10 at 5.00pm at Bradford College. The prize on offer is a place in the National Shield final on Sunday 21/2/10 at the ABC Centre in Manchester. If Dragons make the final this would be the first ever national final for any team in the Club’s history. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

17-01-10 DRAGONS LOSE UNBEATEN RUN 85 – 88 AT HOME TO SHEFFIELD SAINTS BUT STAY TOP OF THE LEAGUE

Bradford Dragons ended their unbeaten league run of 11 successive league wins to fall 85 – 88 losers to visitors Sheffield Saints. In the first quarter, with Vance Silcott in dominant mood, Dragons pulled ahead to a 25 – 20 lead at the first break. In the second stanza, Saints passing movement was outstanding as Saints pulled back into the game to lead 40 – 48 at the half as Dragons defence struggled to contain Saints. In the third quarter, Saints extended their lead to 12 points, but quick buckets from James and Malek cut Saints lead, only for Gayle to pull Saints ahead again as Dragons trailed 67 – 70 at the final break. In the final stanza, with James fouling out in the second minute and veteran Gayle hitting crucial baskets, Saints stayed ahead until a basket by Silcott tied the game at 85 all in the last minute. A steal by Saints and a basket left Dragons forced to foul as Saints dropped a point from the charity stripe. With seconds on the clock, an attempt by Dragons to get a trey away was foiled by a back court violation as Saints held on to win.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 25, Sean James hit 19 and Daumants Pabrieza scored 15 points
After the game Dragons Coach Chris Mellor said, ‘We missed a ton of free throws, our defence was terrible but Saints executed much better than us in the half court and were worthy winners’.

In the warm up game, Dragons U16 overcame visitors York Vikings U16 to record a fine 53 to 51 win to give the resurgent Dragons U16 team a fourth win in a row and take them to third place in the EBL North East Conference.

Elsewhere, in an otherwise successful weekend, Dragons U13 beat York Vikings 46 - 43 and then beat Rotherham Hawks 48 - 43 at home and Dragons U15 won away 83 – 71 to Sefton Stars. Earlier in the week Dragons 2 men lost at home 38 – 72 to Horsforth Hustlers 

Dragon’s next home game is against Sefton Stars on Saturday 30th January at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions

The draw for the semi final of the National Shield will be made on Monday 18/1/10. Dragons are hoping for a home semi final on Sunday 31/1/10 at 6.15pm at Bradford College [tip off time and opponents to be confirmed]

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

10-01-10 DRAGONS SECURE NATIONAL SHIELD SEMI FINAL PLACE WITH 75 – 62 AWAY WIN AT SEFTON STARS

With the cancellation of the EBL division 3 away game at Tyne Met Trojans due to the road conditions, Dragons battled through the snow to play Sefton Stars in north Liverpool for the first time this season in the quarter final of the National Shield and came away with a comfortable 75 – 62 road win to put Dragons in the semi final of England Basketball League’s National Shield competition. Without influential point guard Daumants Pabrieza and shooting guard Luke Malek, Dragons struggled to control the game going in 20 all at the first break. The game was still tight in the second stanza with Dragons pulling ahead by 6 only for Sefton to fight back into the game to go into half time with Dragons leading 39 – 38. A great defensive display in the third quarter saw Dragons restrict Sefton to 5 points as Dragons pulled away to lead 59 – 43 at the penultimate break. Although Sefton won the final quarter by 3 it was Dragons who came away with a good road win against a competitive Sefton team by 75 – 62. Dragons now await the semi final draw to see who stands in the way of Dragon’s first ever national final.
After the game Dragons Coach Chris Mellor said, ‘We knew it would be a tough game. Our defence pulled us through and we really upped our defensive intensity in the third quarter and that’s where the game was won’
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 20 points, Craig Wilson scored 14 and Aaron Kaye made 11 points. Silcott also lead EBL Division 3 in rebounds [14.5 per game] and in free throws at 75%

Dragon’s next home game is against Sheffield Saints on Saturday 16th January at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions. Dragons U16 play York Vikings at 4.15pm in the warm up game. This will be another tough game as Dragons only managed to beat Saints by two points in Sheffield in October.

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk

A below par Bradford Dragons managed to dig out a narrow win against an excellent Manchester Magic 2 team by 78 – 74 as Dragons go into the Xmas break with a perfect 11 wins from 11 league games record. Visitors Magic 2 fielded an under 18 team that produced the best performance of the season to date from a visiting team at the Dragons lair on Saturday night. Showing absolutely no respect for the unbeaten Dragons, Magic 2 played disciplined team basketball throughout the game as Dragons struggled to establish any defensive dominance with Magic 2 players consistently pulling down offensive rebounds to end the quarter 19 – 22 behind Dragons. As Coach Chris Mellor rolled in the subs, the home team struggled to control the low scoring game and it was Magic 2 who won the second quarter to go into half time with the game balanced at 34 apiece. In the penultimate stanza, Dragons managed to pull ahead only for Magic 2 to fight back to level the game at 56 all at the final break. In the fourth tense quarter, it was Dragons who had to fight there way back into the game with Sean James going to the bucket and Vance Silcott scoring off vital offensive boards. Dragons pulled ahead by 1 with a minute to go with a lay up by Daumants Pabrieza. Silcott then made two from the charity strip as a relieved Dragons closed out the game 78 – 74 on the buzzer.
After the game Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford said, ‘For me this was the best team we have played at home so far this season and I was relieved to get a win. These young Magic players were well organised, disciplined and played some great team basketball to push us all the way. Whilst we have not produced great performances in the last two games, what Club Chairman wouldn’t be delighted his team has 11 wins from 11 games at the mid season break? Coach Chris Mellor, Assistant Coach Mike Thompson and the players have worked hard to get were we are today. Let’s hope we can get the zip back in our game when we play Tyne Met Trojans away on 9/1/10 and Sefton Stars the following day in the National Shield quarter final’.
For Dragons, Vance Silcott top scored with 23, Daumants Pabrieza scored 15 and Sean James made 14 points 

In the warm up game, Dragons U16 overcame visitors Derbyshire Arrows U16 to record a fine 61 – 48 win to give the resurgent Dragons U16 team a third win in a row.

Dragon’s next home game is against Sheffield Saints on Saturday 16th January at 6.15pm in the Trinity Green sports hall, Trinity Road, Bradford BD5 0JE in the EBL division 3 [north] game. Dragons U16 play York Vikings at 4.15pm in the warm up game. Admission is £3 and £1.50 for concessions. This will be another tough game as Dragons only managed to beat Saints by two points in Sheffield in October.

For further details contact Stuart Culliford on 0781 661 0600 or email info@bradforddragons.co.uk or visit the Dragons website at www.bradforddragons.co.uk