Our fantastic Basketball players became South Tyneside Champions at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena on Friday night! Cheered on by family, friends and teachers, the St. Bede’s team clinched the title in front of a capacity crowd.

St. Bede’s beat a talented Stanhope 4-2 in the semi-final in an exciting end to end game. The final was played at half time in the Eagles v London Lions game; which meant that there were thousands watching on. In a tight final, St. Bede’s defence was to prove unbreachable; while a slick attack was finished off by Daniel Rutter to clinch victory in a close encounter against a very good Biddick Hall side.

Captain Ellen Knowles delightfully lifted the Hoops4health trophy, and will now get the opportunity to lead her team back to the Arena to contest the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Cup later in the year.

Our whole squad trained with so much enthusiasm for the finals and it was wonderful to see their collective determination and skill displayed on such a big stage. Everyone from the St. Bede’s community who travelled to Newcastle were visibly proud of the team’s attitude and wonderful achievement. As a coach, I could not have been prouder!

Fours teams of St. Bede’s Basketballers participated in the Hoops4Health tournament at Temple Park. All of our sides enjoyed the day, while two met in the semi-finals. One of our sides then went on to beat East Boldon in an exciting Play-Off Final. They will now play in the District Grand Final (Friday 7th February) at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena.

We were all extremely proud of all the children who trained enthusiastically for the event, while it was great to see lots of brilliant parental support.

The basketballers enjoyed their unique experience of playing at the new Eagles Community Arena in Newcastle on Friday night. We dominated our semi-final after playing some wonderful team basketball against a resolute Holy Trinity. Our opening basket involved a fluent passing move that involved the whole team. Unfortunately we couldn’t add to our slender lead, despite countless shots and near misses which bounced agonisingly around the rim of the basket.

Dramatically, against the run of play the opposition showed great spirit to salvage a draw with a last gasp equaliser. Holy Trinity’s good fortune held up in the penalties, as they put us out from the free throw line.

Nevertheless, I was delighted with the team’s wonderful performance in Newcastle. They gave a wonderful account of themselves, despite ‘lady luck’ deserting us. The team showed a lot of good sportsmanship to immediately praise Holy Trinity for their efforts, and wish them luck for the final. Thank you to all of the families who supported our children in Newcastle.

The 3 basketball teams from St. Bede’s thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the South Tyneside Hoops4Health tournament at Temple Park. They all performed superbly on the day, with two of our sides making the Play-offs. The A team prevailed, and they will now play in the Grand Final at the brand new Eagles Community Arena, in Newcastle next Friday.

Good luck to Saul Connor (Captain), Layla Dowson (Vice-Captain), Mahad Uzair, Katy Longstaff, Jack Murphy, Holly Gaunt and Ryley Wardale.

The Newcastle Eagles Basketball team visited St. Bede’s to teach our Y5 about the benefits of healthy living, healthy eating and not smoking. The children also played some basketball and fun games, while meeting the star players who are currently near the top of the British Basketball League.