Steve Ashton, 1978-2010  - a tribute

 On the evening of Tuesday 9 November, 2010, with some 30 seconds to play in a Division 1 match between Winterbourne and Pirates, Steve Ashton fell to the floor, unconscious.

 A doctor was present, a Pirates player attempted mouth to mouth resuscitation, paramedics arrived within minutes soon to be followed by an ambulance which took Steve to hospital. Despite all their efforts, Steve never recovered and died later that evening.

 Steve played as a forward who invariably found himself up against bigger opponents but his technique, smartness and physical courage enabled him to more than compensate. He first played in WEBBA in the 1997-98 season when he arrived at UWE where he began the basketball club and was also central to the team as captain, coach and player. After he graduated, he continued to play for UWE in local league basketball until the end of the 2006-7 season. From 2007 till 2010, he played with Storm and this season, he began to play for a new club, Winterbourne and so continued his involvement in  WEBBA.

 Steve was also closely associated with Bristol Academy Flyers. He was one of their original players when the national league team was formed. He was a key member of the team that gained promotion from National League Division 3 in 2005 and continued with them in Division 2 for a while. The fact that his life should end so prematurely on a basketball court, a place of so much enjoyment, excitement, entertainment and exhilaration is unbearably tragic.

 All who knew him speak of him as a great teammate and a great friend. He touched many with his passion for the game, his commitment, support and good humour. He leaves behind a wife, Jen, and two small children with another on the way. Our thoughts at this time are very much with them and the rest of Steve's family as well as those who were involved in the game last Tuesday and were witness to this tragic event.

 

Club Information

The Trowbridge Basketball Club is a successful basketball club based in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Trowbridge Hawks have two men's teams playing in the West of England Basketball League, Divisions 1 and 3. Phoenix Flames are a women's team playing in the West of England Basketball Women's League, Division 1. These leagues feature teams from all over Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wales. The club also has strong links to the Trowbridge Junior Basketball Club.

The Trowbridge Basketball Club, founded in 1994, has continued the tradition of being a highly successful and friendly club. Constantly looking for new players of any level and ability. Vince Marriott provides coaching for the men's teams and Wayne Pascall for the women's team. Both coaches bring a lot of expertise and experience to the teams and are always willing to help new players join in a fast and exciting team sport.

The teams play out of the St Augustine's School in Trowbridge, with men training and playing games from 7:30-9:30pm on Wednesday nights. Whilst the women use the court for training and playing on Sunday, from 7:00-9:00pm.  The juniors (age 9-16 yrs) also use the court from 10:30-12:00am on Sundays.  More details are available from the different sections on the site so please browse or email us using the contact page if you are interested in joining a team!