Slam dunk as North Sea Classic comes to RGU

RGU has played host to some of basketball’s top talent with the North Sea Classic competition taking place on campus for the first time as part of their new Performance Basketball Programme.

The collaborative event was held at RGU SPORT between 18-20 August with teams from Scotland and Ireland competing in two sections.

National League Division 2 side Grampian Flyers, Stirling Knights from Division 1 of the Scottish National League and, RGU’s visitors, Limerick Celtics made up the senior section.

Limerick Under 18s, ACS Panthers and Stirling Knights were the three teams in the North Sea Classic’s junior section.

Over the course of three days, the highly competitive competition was won by Stirling Knights Senior men who were champions in the Senior Section while Limerick Celtics U18s impressively won the junior section undefeated. Limerick travelled to the Granite City and stayed in the Woolmanhill student accommodation, taking in the full RGU student experience.

The link between RGU and Limerick was made possible through Alumni of the RGU Basketball Club, Miles Felletti-O'Donnell, who currently plays professionally for Limerick Celtics in the National League in Ireland.

Rory Anton, Club Development Officer at RGU SPORT said: “It was great to host such a vibrant event here on campus. The referees, officials, players, and coaches really put on a fantastic weekend of basketball and the spectators really added to the atmosphere. The hope with tournaments like this is that we can showcase RGU as a great place to come to study and play.”

Tony Hehir Head coach of Limerick Celtics said: "We had a fantastic  weekend at the North Sea Classic. Thanks so much to Rory and everyone at RGU SPORT for a superbly organised event.  Our boys and coaches thoroughly enjoyed this event and we look forward to playing more events with our Scottish basketball friends going forward."

Aside from the North Sea Classic, RGU Sport is also hosting sessions in line with Basketball Scotland’s strategy and the Jr. NBA framework with the main aim focusing on fun, wellbeing and learning for children.

Sessions for children aged 6-11 years old take place every Wednesday evening between 5-6pm at RGU SPORT. 

An annual membership for participants is set at £300 and term dates are:.

• Term 1: £75 – 23 August, 30 August, 6 September, 13 September, 20 September, 27 September, 4 October & 11 October
• Term 2: £55 – 1 November, 8 November, 15 November, 22 November, 29 November & 20 December
• Term 3: £110 – 10 January, 17 January, 24 January, 31 January, 7 February, 14 February, 21 February, 28 February, 6 March, 13 March, 20 March & 27 March
• Term 4: £95 – 17 April, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 June, 12 June, 19 June, 26 June & 3 July.

Exercise is beneficial for the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of our students and all RGU students continue to have access to a free RGU SPORT membership during their time at the University.

North Sea Classic results

• Grampian Flyers 81-67 Limerick Celtics U20
• ACS Panthers U18 51-100 Limerick Celtics U18
• Limerick U20s 50-82 Stirling Knights
• Grampian Flyers 82-85 Limerick Celtics U20
• Limerick Celtics U20 55-51 Stirling Knights
• Limerick Celtics U18 91-72 Stirling Knights
• Limerick Celtics U18 104-41 ACS Panthers U18
• Stirling Knights 93-47 ACS Panthers U18