As Middlesbrough Lions prepare for the big visit of Holyhead Celts this Sunday, the club have announced a major new signing in the most successful basketball player on Teesside with 13 National Championships. Steve Butler will now don the Lions jersey after being the most successful Teesside Mohawks player in the clubs history and will feature against Holyhead Celts at Eston Sports Academy in the National Founders Cup. The game is a 4pm tip off although spectators are advised to arrive before 3.30.

The signature of Butler represents a huge indication of Middlesbrough’s ambitions with Lions coach James Thomson looking for the club to make amends for away defeats to Darfield and Holyhead. “Steve is a great signing for us, both on and off the court. He will be mainly used as a forward as this is the position we are short in. Although he is small, he has a proven rebounding ability and will be an asset on Sunday.”

Lions are looking forward to the encounter and will be looking to avenge the 28 point defeat in Wrexham earlier this season. Middlesbrough travelled with a depleted squad for this fixture when Holyhead star, Adam Williams punished the Lions with incredible stats of 40pts, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks. The powerful forward exploited every Middlesbrough weakness and was able to score at will inside and outside the perimeter.

Middlesbrough have a near full strength squad with the only exception of Ben Robinson, who is still recovering from a broken wrist and wont be available to mid January and James Thomson, who played well against York despite nursing a dislocated shoulder but has been added to the injury list with knee tendonitis and an Achilles strain. The addition of Butler will compensate in rebounds and defensive presence that would have been lost by Robinson’s absence and with small forward; Rob Bryson is splendid form recently, Lions are looking as strong as they have ever been all season. Another big performance from Lee Woolams will also be required to follow up the centre’s MVP display against York Vikings. On the guards front, Lions welcome back Daniel Cooper and Ryon Dixon who both missed the York game.

Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets are on sale now at Eston Sports Academy, priced £8 adults and £4 child with half price vouchers available from Game Time online at www.game-time.co.uk meaning a full afternoon of non stop entertainment for less than £15 for a family of 4. For further info contact Eston Sports Academy on 01642 452488.

Lions Junior stars will also be playing this Sunday. Prior to the main event, Lions U15 team will play Durham Wildcats in the National League. Tip off is at 1pm and support is encouraged. Lions have a full squad available and will be looking to bounce back after a big defeat against top team in the country; Sheffield Sharks.