Basketball teams net victories

Basketball players at the University are celebrating double success after the men’s and women’s teams clinched victories in top competitions.

The women’s basketball team were triumphant in the BUCS Trophy final, beating off tough competition from St Marys to win 72 – 67.

The men’s team also enjoyed success at the BUCS Knockout Finals, Men's Midlands Conference Cup. They beat Coventry University 66 – 61, cheered on by a home crowd at the Walsall Sports Centre

Rebecca Millar, Student Sports Officer, said: “Both the men's and women's basketball players and coaches have remained dedicated and committed, training relentlessly in recent months and as the results show the teams are now a force to be reckoned with.”

Meanwhile, up and coming sports stars were among those to receive Excellence Scholarships at the University.

Forty talented students received Excellence Scholarships in the categories of Sports and International.

The awards were set up to recognise the achievements of students from all backgrounds who attend the University. A number of the sports awards went to students with aspirations of taking part in the London 2012 Olympics.

Professor Geoff Hurd, Deputy Vice Chancellor, presented each student with a commemorative certificate of achievement at the ceremony.

He said: “The Excellence Scholarship scheme allows the University to recognise the outstanding achievements of our students and our congratulations go to all the recipients.”