Owls in good heart for Eurocup crusade

REACH UP. . . Martin Edwards (left), of Oldham Owls, and an Essex Outlaws rival at the tip off

OLDHAM Owls warmed up for this week's Eurocup qualifying round with a 69-50 defeat of Essex Outlaws.

The victory maintained unbeaten Owls' position at the top of the British Wheelchair Basketball League Premier Division and put them in good spirits for the trip to Padova, Italy.

The first half was nip and tuck, with both sides trading baskets and offering reasonably good defence.

With the Eurocup in mind, Owls coach Dan Johnson utilised his squad with resting players at different times of the game.

The hosts trailed narrowly at the mid-way stage (31-29), but the second half saw the benefit of their strength in depth.

Shots that were off target started to sink for Owls, while a fast guard unit put pressure on the Outlaws.

New boy Billy Bridge scored 16 points and returning player Martin Edwards registered 15 as Owls turned the screw.

Others who added to the tally were Owls veteran Richard Pullen (10pts), back-from-injury Jack Perry (12pts), Daniel Fraser (10pts), Nat Craig, Great Britain's Robyn Williams, Laurie Williams, Gary Dawson and Jon Dunn.

Owls have two matches remaining in the league.