In a thrilling playoff clash, the University of Westminster’s Men’s Basketball team defeated Bournemouth University by a narrow five-point margin, 89-94. This victory secured promotion to the BUCS Premier League for the first time in the university’s history.

This achievement marks the first occasion that Westminster has reached the BUCS Premier division, elevating the Dragons to the top tier of UK university basketball. The game was attended by Westminster’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Bonfield, as well as Bournemouth’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Honour, highlighting the significance of the match.

Coach Clive leading the Dragons against Bournemouth in the BUCS Premier Playoff

Coach Clive stated officially on the University of Westminster website:

“I am incredibly proud of the team for successfully balancing their responsibilities as student-athletes. The players wake up at five or six in the morning to practice at The Den on Harrow Campus and then head straight to their lectures. Their tremendous sacrifice, work ethic, discipline and teamwork were evident during our final playoff game against Bournemouth. Our Strength and Conditioning Coach Tiago, along with our assistant coaches and colleagues, have shown unwavering dedication to helping our team thrive and perform.

This success would not have been possible without Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Bonfield, who attended the playoff game in Bournemouth. Since his arrival at the University, he has transformed the culture and direction of sports, fostered growth and created opportunities for our students. Additionally, the University of Westminster’s Students’ Union has played a crucial role in supporting our vision for the basketball programme, which has been essential to our success.”

Vice- Chancellor Peter Bonfield was extremely delighted and expressed on his LinkedIn:

“Our University of Westminster Dragons Men’s 1st Basketball Team win the league final and are promoted to the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Premier league after a super-close, to the very last minute playoff game against Bournemouth University who hosted and played wonderfully. Great game from both teams. Congratulations Dragons- a first ever for Westminster to be promoted to Premier. Very well done Team Coach Clive Castillo , strength and conditioning coach Tiago Dinis and all the crew. And of course to our magnificent Dragons.”

The Dragons will now make their debut in BUCS Premier South for the upcoming 2025-26, where they will compete against some of the highest-caliber university teams in the country.

References

Peter Bonfield - LinkedIn -
 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peter-bonfield-53b059ab_wearewestminster-activity-7313286364639252480-ntQc

Westminster Dragons beat Bournemouth to Secure BUCS Promotion
https://www.westminster.ac.uk/news/westminster-dragons-beat-bournemouth-to-secure-bucs-promotion
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