WORCESTER Wolves have lost out on a possible home quarter-final in the National Trophy following a ruling by the English Basketball Association.

Wolves' final group match against Plymouth Raiders, scheduled for last Sunday, was cancelled after the club took advice from the police and the Automobile Association and did not travel to Plymouth because of the gale-force winds that hit the country.

Wolves had hoped that the match could be replayed, but the EBBA ruled that by not travelling they had forfeited the match, and awarded Plymouth a 20-0 win.

The club may now be liable to pay compensation to Plymouth, but they have decided not to appeal against the decision.

Both sides had already qualified for the quarter-finals, but Plymouth's default victory means they top the group and get a home tie against Sutton Pumas. Runners-up Wolves face a tough trip to National Conference side Worthing Thunder.

Wolves' Director of Operations Mick Donovan said: "The fact they haven't fined us for not travelling means they obviously don't think we are guilty. They knew we were genuine.

"The problem is that Plymouth Pavilions, where the Raiders play, is used for all sorts of major events and isn't readily available.

"The lads wanted to have had a go. They were keen to play at Plymouth because they get big crowds."

EBBA spokesperson Maxine Barlow said: "Many games went ahead despite the weather last weekend, and the National League management committee decided that the weather on this occasion did not constitute extenuating circumstances."

Wolves will travel to Worthing on Saturday, November 9. Their home National League Division One clash with Derbyshire on that day will now have to be re-scheduled.

Donovan added: "A home game against Sutton would have been a small hill to climb, but going away to Worthing is like a mountain. It will be difficult, but we always seem to play better against the better sides."

Wolves begin their league campaign away to Westminster on Saturday.

Colin Rhooms, who was ruled out of the aborted trip to Plymouth because of an ear infection, should return.