Whilst the UK was experiencing one of the warmest bank holiday weekends on record, the heat
was truly on at this year’s Hoopfest tournament! 32 teams in total came together across the
weekend in their respective age groups to go head to head all to raise funds and awareness for
Leukaemia UK in honour of Joe Grainger.

From the Under 11s to Under 16s, it was inspiring to observe the skill, athleticism and class of our
young athletes. The youngest ballers and the girls’ teams set the pace on Saturday morning with tournament
wins for the Gloucester Saxons Girls with runners up Barry Huskies. Then U11s Worcester Wolves
took the trophy with runners up, Gloucester Saxons.

As the temperatures soared, so too did the height of our players with the U14s arriving after
lunch! In a closely run final game, the Leadonites secured a win over North Somerset Stars.
A cooler start on Sunday morning with the U12s tipping off first. The Gloucester Saxons Red
team took the trophy with runners up Worcester Wolves.

Lastly, we welcomed our U16s which was the most well attended age group. Nine teams in total
battled across a stifling afternoon with Abingdon Eagles taking the cup! We must make special mention of all of our refs and officials that supported this event and gaveup their time in recognition of the importance of coming together to support such a cause. We are also so proud of all of our young players who showed such strength of character and engagement both on the courts and off. We are thankful of every one of the £2500 donated, t shirt purchased and subs bench filled.

We remember Joe.

We are Saxons.