In their first season together Bromsgrove Blaze ‘A’ have surpassed their wildest dreams to become Worcestershire Junior Division Champions.

          Their game with Pacers at the Ryland Centre was crucial. If Pacers won they would be in the driving seat and Blaze would have to rely on them loosing one of their outstanding matches, but if Blaze won they could not then be beaten in the title race.

          Blaze were clearly feeling the pressure from the tip-off. Baskets that would normally have swished rolled round the ring and fell short, certain lay ups were missed and the defence looked vulnerable.

          The cool head and excellent rebounding of Adam Beaumont settled Blaze and they were on their way. Alex Lockwood continually drove for basket using his speed and skill to weave through the Pacer’s defence. By the end of the first quarter Blaze had a 10 point lead 16pts to 6.

          Blaze then took the game by storm. Sam Goulding and Luke Stevens marked out Pacer’s key players, stealing the ball and driving for basket. The baskets were now going in thick and fast, with Lockwood, Goulding and Beaumont pounding the boards. Stevens put up a fine three pointer to close the first half as Blaze took a commanding lead 41pts to 13.

          Pacers started to claw their way back at the beginning of the third quarter, scoring 11pts by the third minute. Blaze once more applied the pressure and prevented Pacers scoring again during the period. Lee Pankhurst and Chris Higgins netted several fine baskets as Blaze extended their lead to 42pts, 66pts to 24.

          The final period saw Blaze relax. Callum Bolsher and Luke Coffey put up some good shots, Andy Barker and Chris McMillan played solid defence and Tim Ardron organised the play.

          The final score was Blaze ‘A’ 89pts, Pacers 41pts.

The win consolidated Blaze’s position at the top of the league, even with one game versus Tenbury still outstanding. Pacers, Wolverley and Redditch now have to battle it out to see who will be league runners up.