Bradford College

Dragons Vs Cardinals

The Bradford Dragons wowed crowds as they gathered to see the action packed match between rivals Loughborough Cardinals in the semi final of the National Shield.  The match, held at Bradford College’s Trinity Green Sports Hall, saw the Dragons storm into the National Shield final with an 84-66 victory over the Cardinals.

The Minister for Sport, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe was invited to attend the game, where he watched the nail biting action as Aaron Kay led the Dragons into battle, dropping 3 treys to give the Dragons a 27 – 18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Mr Sutcliffe said: “It’s great to see a Bradford team have the opportunity to get into a national final.  The Dragons are a basketball team that have developed really well over the last few years.” 

Founder of Omar Khan’s Restaurant and Ambassador for Bradford City Football Club, Mr Omar Khan accompanied Mr Sutcliffe to watch the game. Mr Khan is an avid sports fan and said: “This has been an exciting match - it’s good to see the players deliver outstanding performances when it’s counted.”  Mr Khan went on to congratulate Bradford College Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE on transforming the College into the leading edge institution we know today, with her sharp business acumen.  Mr Khan said: “Michele has done a fantastic job with the College.  Since she’s been here, she’s turned the College around. It’s the best College going at the moment.  There was a time when the College used to struggle… look at it now - it’s thriving!  It just needs the right people, at the right time, in the right place to turn it around.  She has brought a new lease of life to the College.  I’m very passionate about Bradford as it means a lot to me.  We need more people like Michele to be part of the city.”

Dragons Chairman, Stuart Culliford speaking before the game began said: “This is a huge event for us.  It’s our first home national semi final and we’re delighted to have the Minister for Sport, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe with us this evening. We’ve got our fingers crossed we’ll have a result tonight that will get us to Manchester for the first ever national final the club has been in.”

Commenting on the Trinity Green Sports Hall used to stage the match, Mr Culliford remarked: “These are easily the best facilities in Bradford.  We would say the best basketball facilities in West Yorkshire. We’re delighted to work in partnership with Bradford College to develop basketball in Bradford and the West Yorkshire area.”

Directorate Project Manager, Ronnie Todd added: “It’s a delight to work in collaboration with the Dragons on our role as a National Skills Academy Centre of Excellence, in which we forging link between education and sport!”

Mr Todd went on watch player Luke Malek give a breath taking performance as he joined the 3 point fest, as the Dragons pulled ahead, but then an ankle injury to playmaker Daumants Pabrieza allowed the Cardinals back into the game as they edged the quarter to leave Dragons leading 45 – 37 at half time.

Dragons took the third quarter with an outstanding fast break spin move from point guard Jimi Pournoori as Dragons led 61 – 50 at the final break. On his way to a season best haul of 7 treys, Luke Malek led a three point fest as Dragons hit 14 treys in the game to announce the return of the Dragons outside game and give Dragons a convincing 84 – 66 win on the night!
 
Dragons, Luke Malek was on fire with 23 points, Rai Pabrieza made 12 and Aaron Kay and Sean James both made 11 points each.
 
Dragons Chairman Stuart Culliford, commenting on the outstanding victory, said: “This has been a huge weekend for the club. We just managed to dig out a win on the buzzer against a talented Sefton side to stay top of the league.  Then we beat the team third in the division to set up our first ever national final at the ABC in Manchester next month. The team and coaches are to be congratulated for battling through injuries to deliver when it counted!”

Minister for Sport, Mr Sutcliffe concluded: “It’s fantastic that the Dragons have got into the final - and great for Bradford as well!”

Take a look at the photo coverage from the action packed match…