A BOLTON basketball team reached the grand final of the John Amaechi Summer Community League after an impressive debut season.

After securing a solid 39 points in the league, Bolton Lads & Girls Club finished second guaranteeing themselves a spot in their first ever play-offs.

Their passion and determination didn’t stop there and in their first playoff match they sealed a win against third in the league Pacers Too, 54-36.

The Grand Final was a nail-biting encounter which could have gone either way.

The Lads and Girls Club went into the dramatic game knowing they would face an up-hill task against the league champions Old Trafford Basketball Club. With just five minutes gone the Spa Road outfit were down 14 points before Hashim Khan scored the first basket to lift the spirits of the team.

At half time Old Trafford held the lead at 25-14.

However, in the second half things seemed to click for the Lads and Girls club side and they came out strong and fought back.

With just five minutes left the score was a tie at 36-36.

Both teams gave it their all and after a nail-biting last few minutes from end to end the whistle was blown with the end result 40-39 to Old Trafford.

John Wolfe, BLGC Senior Sports Co-ordinator said: “Of course it’s tough to have just lost out in the final but the team are so passionate and determined that it will spur them on to continue to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

"The lads have achieved so much this season, we’re all really proud of them.

"The credit must also go to Gergely Major, their fantastic coach who has sadly moved on.”

The team will return to action at the end of August to take part in the Winter League and they will have high hopes they can get promoted.

The club will be holding basketball taster sessions on Monday nights between 7-8pm for 13-19yr olds.

n If you would like any more information about joining the team call BLGC on 01204 540 100.