Tonight, the Sheffield Sharks will play the Newcastle Eagles in their first encounter of the 9/10 BBL season and we will be in for one of the most bitterly contested games of the season.

Well just to make it clear, I want to start off this blog by saying congratulations to Paul James and the Worcester Wolves organisation. In just about 3 weeks they have built a brand new outfit that will put a scare into many teams this season.

I have to admit that when, a few months ago, Karl Brown asked me to take part in this event I had no idea what I was agreeing to. All he told me was that there would be an U17s tournament plus the All Star Game. As usual I took my camera with me.

I have to admit that when, a few months ago, Karl Brown asked me to take part in this event I had no idea what I was agreeing to. All he told me was that there would be an U17s tournament plus the All Star Game.

So it is 3am on Sunday morning and I am awake updating mikeshaft.com. The big news is that it is BBL Cup Final Day today and I can not wait. The overnight news is that the Eagles have been beaten by Worthing Thunder, not only that but there is some controversy about goings on at the end of the game. I am sure we will be hearing more about this.

Well I had been looking forward to this weekend for the past few months. I've always liked the BBL Cup Final because it is the first of the Trophies to be decided and it happens early in the New Year. But before getting to the NIA Birmingham, I had some other business to attend to.

Well it has been a long time but it has finally come. Yes the Sheffield Sharks have lifted the BBL Cup in an excellent game at the NIA Birmingham.

Well what a night we had here at the EISS last Friday? It is always an interesting time for me as we build up to the first home game of the new season. I arrived early at the venue after a truly horrible drive over the top. The weather, as you may remember, was terrible, but I arrived safe and well, and really looking forward to the game.

Well as you may know I run a website mikeshaft.com which has been around for years. One of the key things about running the website is that it gives people the opportunity to keep up to date with what is happening around the British game from my point of view. It also allows people to make contact with me if they want to.

Well as a massive fan of sport, it is difficult to know where to look these days. Congratulations to Ireland who have secured the Grand Slam in Rugby Union after a wait of many many years.