BRACKNELL, UK- The Bracknell Bees will start their English Premier League campaign full of confidence for the first time in several years. The Bees visit Basingstoke on Saturday to kick off their season after an impressive showing against local rivals, the Slough Jets, last weekend. The two Berkshire clubs took part in a two-legged game for the Battle of Berkshire Cycles Cup, which the Bees won 12-8. With an almost brand new roster, Bracknell should be hopeful of making the playoffs for the first time in three years. Despite losing some of their top players over the summer, Head Coach Gareth Cox has built a stronger roster. Most of the new additions have bags of experience at top clubs in the EPL. New captain Rob Lamey, along with Martin Masa and Lukas Smital arrived from last year’s playoff champions the Guildford Flames. Matt Foord is a big addition after making the move from Swindon, while Bracknell’s leaky defence is toughened up by the signing of 6’5” Latvian Segejs Louskins. The pre-season victories against Slough may show the Bees can compete against some top teams in the league. Last season, the Bees showed some hope with four consecutive home wins against Telford, Guildford, Slough and Basingstoke. However, as Gareth Cox explains: “We had a few players missing with injuries, and when things didn’t go our way the heads dropped straight away.” Consistency was the Bees’ downfall last season. With more experience and an overall better team, Bracknell can be confident about meeting their minimum target of the playoffs. “I think the blend of youth and experience should stand us in good stead and with a number of the players having iced together before I am hopeful things will click quickly” added Cox. Bracknell open their season against Basingstoke on Saturday before returning to the Hive on Sunday to face Slough in their first home game of the season. Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.