A Hexham basketball side are aiming to shoot their way up the leagues by securing a promotion in their first ever season this weekend.

Hexham Gaolers, who are part of the Hexham Basketball Club, are aiming to secure promotion when they face Whickham Spartans in their second playoff game at the Queen Elizabeth High School on Sunday, April 14. 

They secured a 63-54 win against the same side in the first playoff game earlier this week, meaning another victory, or a loss by fewer than nine points, will see them promoted to the Tynemet Basketball League Division Two.

The club, which is coached by Chris Hignett and captained by Thomas Hutchinson, was only formed in April 2022 and held its first session in September of that year. 

Club member Jimmy Loud said: "What an incredible first year we have had. We ended our first season as a club with 13 wins and three losses meaning we finished near the top of the table in second place. 

"We also came second overall in the league cup giving us our first silverware as a club!

"With coming second in the league we have set ourselves up with hopes of promotion. We got a big win against Whickham Spartans in the first of two playoff games.

"The second game is to be played this coming Sunday at QEHS, with tip off at 12. It would be amazing if we could gather some support as this will be our last game o the season and crucially, our most important. 

"Everyone is welcome, doors open from 11.45. The more the merrier, and the louder the better."

Anyone interested in joining Hexham Gaolers can attend an open training session on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 8pm at QEHS.