Burbage are kings; BASKETBALL.

Byline: Derek Brown

KING Henry VIII's hopes of retaining the Coventry schools league trophy were dashed in overtime as Burbage pulled off a 26-22 victory at Coventry Sports Centre.

Earlier in the campaign, Burbage only just qualified for the play-offs by taking eighth position in the table, with three wins and three defeats, while King Henry won all six matches to finish top.

But in the play-offs, Burbage looked a far more imposing outfit as they brushed aside Parkgate 20-8 and All Souls 20-10 to book their passage into the final alongside Kings, who slammed St John Vianney 18-8 before squeezing out Frederick Bird in a golden basket showdown after the teams had finished all-square after extra time.

It was a similar situation in the final with both sides evenly matched throughout and still level going into overtime at 20-20.

But in the added period the pendulum swung decisively the way of the Burbage youngsters and two baskets were enough to see off the defiant challenge of the Kings and end the possibility of a golden basket decider.

There was some recompense for King Henry VIII as

Daniel Smith, who gained the most points for his team over the season, was voted the league's Most Valuable Player..

* TEAMS wanting to enter the Coventry & Surrounding Areas Schools League next season should call Paul Adams on 07811 469263..

CAPTION(S):

CHAMPIONS... The winning Burbage team, back row from left: Harry Schofield, Daniel Guest, David Bishton, Eddie Dewick, James Axxon; front Cameron Park, Oliver Sharkey, Paul White, Kieran Lauder, Libby Piggott NEAR MISS... Runners-up King Henry, back row from left, Ryan Gidda, Daniel Collier, Reece Quinn, Arjan Bath; front George Wood, Daniel Smith, Nicholas Weir, Nathan McNulty MVP..Daniel Smith turns on the style