Saturday 20th saw an unchanged team back on the road and this time travelling towards Milton Keynes, where, after last week’s nervous start to the season the team were out to exercise the demon.

From tip off it was evident that the Crusaders were on fire.

The relatively inexperienced team from Bucks proved no match for the aerial assault formed by their visitors.

As the first period ended 14-4 to Coventry it seemed the team could score at will. Crusaders defence was excellent, keeping the Bucks down to 2 baskets a quarter.

With the impressive score line Crusaders soon had a cushion that could afford them to experiment with line changes and play their bench extensively.

Karen King shone on court with hard work and tight defence as did Neill Gardner with his first points for the club.

Bri Tierney again put in a sterling performance assisted by Nick King and Adam Crinage. Crusaders forwards were dominant with Claridge, Leeth, Gibson and Gardner crashing the boards at both ends and being unstoppable from the inside.

Final score 49-16 to the Crusaders.

Again in his summary after the game Coach Claridge said,

"The team stamped its authority on the game early on and then romped to an easy win. The confidence from winning the first 2 matches of the season should start a momentum which could be very valuable in the tougher fixtures to come later in the season. "

The Crusaders most valuable players for this game were Bri Tierney, Adam Crinage and Nick King for their excellent service to the forwards in the game.

Crusader Scorers Neill Gardner 2, Justin Gibson 6, Adam Crinage 6, Carl Leeth 12, Paul Claridge 23 .

Crusader now have a break before facing Essex Outlaws away on October 18th.

Coventry Crusaders Wheelchair Basketball Team

League Fixtures 2003/04 Season

Date Opponent Home /Away Tip Off Time

September

Sunday 14th Hampshire Harriers Away 1:30

Saturday 20th Hemel Aces Away 1:30

October

Saturday 18th Essex Outlaws Away 2:00

November

Saturday 8th Bristol Pirates Home 11:30

Saturday 22nd Rushmoor Marvels Home 11:30

December

Sunday 14th Stratford Away 12:30

January

Saturday 17th Hampshire Harriers Home 11:30

Saturday 24th Wasps Home 11:30

Saturday 31st Hemel Aces Home 11:30

February

Saturday 21st Essex Outlaws Home 11.30

Saturday 28th Stratford Home 11:30

Sunday 29th Wasps Away 1:30

March

Saturday 20th Rushmoor Marvels Away 12:30

April

Sunday 18th Bristol Pirates Away 12:20