Basketball: Brave City knocked out

Holders City of Edinburgh are out of the Scottish Chairman’s Cup after going down 80-78 after overtime in a nail-biting basketball semi-final at the Beacon Sports Centre, Aberdeen.

The game only took place because two spectators who were referees stepped in for absent officials, who apparently had not been notified.

The winners will play either Banchory Stags or Portlethan Panthers in what will now be an all-Grampian final but last night City were still pondering an appeal.

City nearly pulled off a last-ditch rescue in defence of their trophy as, for almost the entire game, Beacon enjoyed a double-figure lead, which they stretched to 14 at one stage.

Edinburgh tied the game with 20 seconds left to force the extra period.

But in doing so they lost their top scorer Chris McBrierty with five fouls and Tony Hogg also fouled out.

The Jazz were again in full tune at the start of the extra five minutes only for Edinburgh to take the lead for the first time.

The home side were back in front with two seconds left but City nearly stole it at the death.