Erkenwald's ageing squad once again rolled back the years at the Caister festival before finding their 6th games in 48 hours too much of a hurdle, the Erks eventually collecting £200 prize money after falling at the semi-final stage to the British Army, who disappointingly didn't appear to have sent any of their basketball team to the Gulf.

With the average age of the 6 core members Erkenwald's squad being over 35, the Erks bolstered their numbers with 4 members of the Canvey Island based Blazers team, coached by Erkenwald centre Dave Churches & forward Steve Herd and also drafted in an Australian duo in former player John Sargent and point guard Clive Ward.

Early on in the tournament, the Erks unbeaten record in the Group stages, which stretches back 10 years, appeared to be under threat as they found themselves in a tough pool with former finalists Dudley Bears, a young Chiltern side & a big Leeds University team, however the Erkenwald boys soon found their stride. Chiltern were despatched 55-21 in the opening game, with 6'9 Dave Churches and his 6'10 protˇgˇe Ian Mael proving too big and strong inside and Gareth Sims' and Richard Williams giving an exhibition of catch and shoot basketball from the corner spots.

In their second group game on Saturday morning, the Erks were pushed all the way by Leeds. Centre Dave Churches, still feeling the effects of the previous night's entertainment, was a hindrance to his team-mates and it needed a second half rally from 8 points down, led by Steve Herd and Terry Rose, for the Erks to prevail 29-24. The Erks then needed to beat Dudley Bears in their final game to win the group, and spurred on by the defensive efforts of Coach Gary Glennard, the Erks produced their best display of the Festival. Despite an early 3 point bombardment from the Bears, Dave Churches, now restored to full health, led the way with 18 points as the Erks eased home 45-28.

Fortified by another night's rest, the Erks overcame a stern challenge from Bromley in the last 16 at 10am on Sunday morning. Dave Churches proving unstoppable again, hitting six 3 pointers on his way to 20 points. Declan McCusker also attacked the basket aggressively and then coolly sunk a perfect 6 from 6 from the free-throw line, as the Erks, whilst never behind, couldn't quite shake off Bromley as they battled home to a 42-30 win.

Expecting to play the quick and athletic Loughborough University Old Boys team in the quarter finals, the Erks were pleasantly surprised when the Leeds side that they beat in the group stages pulled off a 44-42 upset. In a tough last 8 battle, once again the Erks had too much for Leeds, another five Dave Churches treys and 9 points from Gary Glennard pulling the Erks to victory 45-35, although the rigours of the weekend were clearly beginning to catch up with the veteran players.

Unfortunately the semi-final against the Army proved to be Erkenwald's Waterloo, a tired Erks team created numerous good looks at the basket but failed to convert, Dave Churches' shot selection deteriorating rapidly as the Erks fell behind. Forward Richard Williams' performance typified Erks' state, as he pulled down 5 rebounds which immediately lead to 4 turnovers and then pulled up for an impressive looking fast break jump shot, which missed the ring by a good 3 feet, fortunately landing straight into the hands of team-mate Steve Herd, who missed the open lay-up.

Whilst the Erks trod water, the fitter Army side ran the floor relentlessly. Led by ex-Thames Valley Tigers guard Carl Black, the Army scored repeatedly on the fast-break and the resulting 54-28 scoreline didn't flatter the victors, who went on to take a hammering of their own in the final against the impressive Worcester Jets.

Erks Roster:
Player/Coach: Gary Glennard
Centres: Dave Churches, Ian Mael
Forwards: Terry Rose, Richard Williams, Steve Herd
Swingman: Declan McCusker
Guards: Gareth Sims, Matt Smith, Clive Ward, Steve Carter, John Sargent