Tributes to Trophy Triumph

Admiration for the achievement of Worcester Wolves in securing the club’s first-ever major trophy continues.

Sunday’s thrilling 83-76 comeback victory over the hometown Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Trophy Final was the last step of a journey that began with a challenging first-round tie at London Lions. The journey then got harder with a trip up to the North East to face the league-leading Newcastle Eagles. After inflicting a rare home defeat on the Eagles, there was no let-up in the intensity of opponent when Worcester were drawn against Sheffield Sharks, (who currently sit second in the table), in a two-legged semi-final.

The last hurdle standing in the way of success was needing to overcome the Rocks, playing on their own court in front of nearly 6000 of their own fans. Wolves’ playmaker Zaire Taylor spoke for all of his team-mates in paying tribute to the part that was played by a huge band of travelling Worcester supporters:

“They were awesome. Both teams came into the arena at the same time, but despite our fans being outnumbered by more than ten-to-one, all I could hear in my ears were chants of ‘Worcester, Worcester’. A seven-hour journey each way, and yet hundreds of people made it. That moved us.”

Zaire was the very last player on Sunday to make his way back to the locker rooms, keen to drink in every last drop of the occasion, adding: “It’s about a lot more than the 40 minutes you see on the court. The organisation, the fans, the city of Worcester; everyone has put something towards the win. There are so many people I want to thank.”

Assistant coach Alex Radu is one of the people who puts in many hours of dedication to the Wolves’ cause, but still prefers to deflect praise to others:
“I’m overjoyed. So many people have contributed to our success. The support from our fans has been tremendous with people coming by buses, cars, trains and planes; we dedicate Sunday’s win to them!”

Wolves’ Chairman Roger Clarke gave his thoughts after watching the club he helped found, finally stamp their name in the record books:
“This win has come about through a lot of hard graft, some great recruitment, unbelievable supporters, and sheer desire. This success has brought us to the level we want to stay at. Everyone will have to take Wolves very seriously – we want even more silverware now.”

Fans will be given an early opportunity to see the Trophy at close quarters, following the meeting with Durham Wildcats, at the University of Worcester Arena this Friday, (tip off 7.30pm).

The club has also announced the date of the last of their three meetings with fellow BBL Championship contenders, Sheffield Sharks. The encounter that was originally scheduled for March will now take place in Sheffield on Wednesday 16 April.