In a season ravaged by injuries, Teesside Lions are continuing to show their resilience across a campaign that continues to thrill, despite the league position and relegation battle unfolding.

Teesside are currently ninth in Division Two with just six games remaining. Lions are tied on 6pts with Liverpool and Bristol United in 10th & 11th positions respectively, but Teesside have two games in hand.

Cardiff City are rock bottom with no wins to their name in what has been a tough season for the Welsh outfit. Sentiment however will play no part in Teesside plans when they welcome Cardiff to Olympia Arena on 1st March for the must win game.

A boost to the cause will be the return from illness of leading scorer Brenden Patrick. The American guard was at the recent Leicester loss, but unable to suit up. The emergence of new signing Mekhi Hendry has also been a welcome lift.

The freak season has seen multiple injuries to players throughout the year. Luca Gaillet managed only the pre-season fixture against Durham University. A cruciate ligament knee operation required for the Monaco star will see him miss the rest of this season and require intense rehab prior to an unknown return.

Tyrese Nfon and Will Day have struggled to play with knee injuries. Luke Mitchell has been plagued with a neck injury.

Groves, Williams, Forster, Maffezzoli to mention just a few have all suffered this season with injuries resulting in Coach Bojev struggling to build any consistency and in most games only suit up eight players.

Two games had to be forfeit due to not enough fit players, and overall, this has been a season to forget.

Amidst the angst and frustration however, an aura of resilience and pride has emerged with Teesside competing in most games, despite the injuries, and against the odds. Memorable encounters were against St Helens at home, the narrow OT loss against then league leaders Bristol Flyers in what should have been an incredible win, and most recently a 30-17 fourth quarter to nearly cause an upset against current leaders Leicester Warriors.

In every game, whether it be a win or loss, the Teesside fans have been a show of support and strength behind the team. The feedback from supporters, even after defeats, has been excellent in terms of enjoyment of the game.

Teesside Chief James Thomson has pitched a rallying call for the remainder of the season, stating:

“I have never known a season of injuries like this one. I feel For Coach Serge who has had to navigate this tough period, and I feel for the players who are desperate to do well, and in most cases have done exceptionally well under the circumstances. 

“In the remaining six games, I would like to call on everyone at the club to come together and help us over the line. The two home games are vital for us to use home court advantage to our upmost benefit. We need to create a safety barrier between ourselves and the two relegation positions.

“In times of tribulation the efforts of Serge, the players and the fans have made me very proud and more determined to improve our situation. We are already working on improving the squad ahead of next season and look forward to getting back on track, starting with our relegation battle.”