The McDonald’s Nottingham Hoods were handed another away loss and were missed out on a place in the Patron’s Cup final as they were beaten by team Newcastle University in a highly competitive double header.
Despite being huge underdogs, playing the joint league leaders and still missing 2 starters, the Hoods played brilliantly at the weekend and staged an exciting comeback, only to be pipped at the last in their league game 77-71.
On Sunday, the two teams were straight at it again, this time in The Patron’s Cup semi-final. The game was another tight affair, but again the Hoods came out on the losing end 81-75. They returned home disappointed, but full of confidence with the run in to the end as their key players are starting to come back from injury and a run of home games.
Elsewhere, McDonald’s Nottingham Hoods II were beaten away at Warwickshire Hawks 83-73, despite 27 points from James, but there was better news for the McDonald’s Nottingham Junior Hoods u16 as they picked up a comfortable 58-79 victory over Rutland Thunders and keep the best record in the league with a couple of key games coming up in the next few weeks.
Next weekend, Hoods (5&9) will be pleased to welcome back another key player, who has been out for the majority of the season, as they take on high-flying Thames Valley Cavaliers who are sitting near the top of the league on an 11&2 record.
In Division 4, Hoods II (3&7) will be looking to put their disappointing away record behind them as they take on Birmingham Mets, who currently sit at the bottom of the league on a 2&7 record, before returning home to the Wildcats Arena, where league leaders Northants Taurus (11&1) await for them on Sunday at 2.00pm.
Junior Hoods u18 (8&9) face a tough Ilkeston Outlaws (8&8), which is sure to be a thrilling game – the winner of which will take 3rd spot in the league. Junior Hoods u16 (9&1) will be looking to keep their unbeaten home record alive as they take on a Leicester Warriors II (0&11) side still looking for their first win. Finally, the ever-improving Junior Hoods u14 (1&10) face another tough battle against Manchester Magic (10&2)
#letsgohoods
