WORCESTER Wolves look to have failed in their bid to hire a helicopter to fly in three of their key players for their Patrons Cup basketball final on Saturday.
However, the players should still be able to play in the final after the club received a kind offer of a lift down from the north-east.
Three of Wolves' stars -- American aces Ty Shaw and Josh Cooprider plus Colin Chiverton -- are also involved this weekend for the University College Worcester team competing at the British Universities finals in Gateshead.
Wolves hoped to fly the trio down after UCW's match on Saturday morning to play in the Patrons Cup final against Hackney at UCW and then straight back to Gateshead after the match.
However, after their enquiries drew a blank Stephen Potts, whose son Ben plays for the UCW team, stepped in to agree to drive the trio back to Worcester and then return to Gateshead afterwards.
Wolves' Director of Basketball Mick Donovan, who also helps coach the UCW side, said: "We could have done the journey in about 45 minutes in a helicopter but at least we should be able to get them there now -- British roads permitting!"
The UCW team, who have strong links with Wolves, have reached the British Universities finals for the first time, and play Northumbria University in their first match tomorrow.
Victory will give them a semi-final match at 11am the following morning although if they lose tomorrow, they will be in action at 9am on Saturday.
UCW reached the finals by beating Sunderland University 101-83.
Donovan added: "A key factor for the UCW success is player-coach Josh Cooprider who has worked tirelessly with a committed group of players to get them to the present level.
"We still may have some more suprises for the big guns."
Wolves' final clash with Hackney is a sell-out as they bid to win the first trophy in their short history, with Donovan revealing they have a waiting list of over 100 in case of cancellations.
Tip-off at UCW on Saturday is at 7pm, preceded at 4pm by the National Trophy final between Sutton and Worthing.
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