History of the Arrows Senior Men

The Arrows collection of silverware started in 2000 when the Arrows signed their first overseas player, a popular and talented Canadian named Shawn King. His arrival brought a chance meeting at Ponds Forge Sports Centre between him and Garnet Gayle, for King it was the first evening of his arrival and he was fighting both jet lag and the desire to touch a ball in England.

For Gayle he was looking for a franchise that would be willing to allow him the opportunity to be a player coach, the Arrows were to be that opportunity and he took command for his first game of that season against the Swindon Supersonics at the Dronfield Sports Centre. The game itself was scrappy but turned out to be a win for the Arrows.

King continued to develop the team both on and off the court, he was instrumental in the arrival of Jamie Davidson, a player and friend from Australia and another piece of the jigsaw was complete. The Arrows carried all before them that season only London United with a last second play denied them the play off trophy. Garnet Gayle was named League MVP.

The following season 2001 marked the arrival of Jeff Bevington a 6’8 Canadian and former College friend of Shawn King, once again the Arrows carried all before them this time winning both the League & Play Off trophy. Jeff Bevington was named League MVP.

Sadly politics played a part in 2002 and the Arrows were denied a promotion that was rightfully theirs, King departed but Bevington remained, it proved another clean sweep and the Arrows once again applied to join EBL 1. Jeff Bevington was again named MVP.

The Arrows finally joined the elite in 2003, however poor recruitment from overseas saw them finish 7th in the League, a creditable first attempt but one to be improved upon.

The Arrows continued to improve in 2004, Ryan Patten was signed from Cleveland, he was joined by experienced players Todd Cauthorn and Mike Payne. The Arrows landed an unprecedented treble; League, Trophy and Play Off.