Leaving Barking at 8am on Saturday morning, players, club officials and fans travelled by coach, dropping off at hotels in Cheadle, before going on to the Amaechi Basketball Centre. The afternoon saw Leopards in semi final action against Leicester Warriors. The Warriors rotated to allow them a chance to press the Leopards and in particular apply pressure to guard Vernon Teal. However gradually the Leopards wore their opponents down and came through to victory. The second semi final pitted Bristol Flyers , who Leopards had defeated in the Cup Final, with Derby Trailblazers. Derby, featured Dave Attwell, who was a firm favourite with Leopards fans when he played in Brentwood earlier in his career. Bristol froze on the day, and Derby ran out convincing winners.
Saturday night was a night for fans, officials and players to gather to chew over the season, as well as prepare for the final scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Leopards made a reticent start but gradually clawed their way back into the game. As Derby began to acquire team fouls, Leopards surged ahead, leading by 5pts at half time.
The second half was more of the same, and the game was best summed up by a characteristic slam by Leopards captain Ousman Krubally. As the clock ran down, it became obvious that Leopards had achieved, what seemed a distant dream at the start of the season. Yet in a way victory was tinged with sadness. I doubt there will ever be a season like this. A number of us said, it can't get any better. Moreover there was the knowledge that at least two of the Leopards American players, Ousman and Vernon, will not be returning. They deserve to play at a higher level than the EBL, and hopefully they can use the success they have achieved this season as a springboard to further their careers.
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