News Collyer’s Win thrilling ‘El Clasico’ 14.02.2022

Collyer’s men’s basketball team netted back-to-back wins in the ABL (Academy Basketball League) with a 91-86 victory in a thrilling encounter with Brighton and Hove Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) last week.

Sporting contests between two of the country’s top sixth form colleges are sometimes referred to as “El Clasico” derbies.

Collyer’s maths teacher and basketball fan, Peter Mattock explained: “Many refer to matches between Collyer’s and our friends at BHASVIC as ‘El Clasico’, as these superb, historical sixth form colleges have many links and have competed at a high level over a range of sports for many, many years. The “El Classico” nickname is a tongue-in-cheek comparison to the Real Madrid and Barcelona basketball and football club rivalry in Spain!”

Coach Dom Evans, regarded as one of the country’s top up and coming young tacticians, was delighted: “It was great to get another win on the bounce in the ABL, which moves us up the table.

“It was an absolute thriller. Pure box-office. BHASVIC have always produced amazing sides and the sportsmanship on display was incredible from both teams. A friendly but massively competitive rivalry is something we all respect and enjoy.”

Student Ambassador, Thomas Mukasa was among a passionate home crowd. He said: “It was a beautiful game. So close, but a well-deserved Collyer’s victory.”

Deputy Principal Steve Martell said: “Congratulations to both teams for another classic. Coach Dom Evans and Assistant Coach Nick Probin are doing a terrific job and we are really finding some good form in the ABL.”

The ABL competition is seeing Collyer’s men’s team compete for the first time against top teams every Wednesday, in a competition regarded as the second highest collegiate basketball competition in the UK.

Head of Sports Academy John Burroughs said: “To be securing big wins like this in our first season at ABL level is a major development for our basketball and a boost for Collyer’s sport academies in general.”