Collyer’s lose their own ‘El Clasico’ basketball derby with Brighton

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

Collyer’s Director of Admissions, and basketball fan, Richard Rothwell explained: “Our “El Clasico” is a cheeky nod to the Barcelona and Real Madrid basketball and football rivalry in Spain. Some refer to matches between Collyer’s and our friends at BHASVIC as ‘El Clasico’, as these historical sixth form colleges have competed across many sports for a number of years.”

Coach Dom Evans, regarded by many as one of the nation’s brightest up and coming coaching talents, said: “It was a tough away fixture, but we acquitted ourselves well. The boys fought hard for the full 40 minutes, never giving up and surprising BHASVIC with their perseverance.

“BHASVIC were outstanding and the sportsmanship and skill on display today was excellent from both teams.”

MVP for the Collyer’s team was Maka Chiware, appearing in his final competitive game for the college.

Collyer’s Head of Sports Academy John Burroughs said: “It’s been a tough season for Collyer’s playing in the CBL (College Basketball League) which one of the toughest college competitions in the country, but the group have remained strong and with some new signings arriving from schools across the region in September, next season promises much.”