Yabsley moves over for Rodman

IT WAS Martin Yabsley who had to give up his place to Dennis Rodman in the Brighton Bears starting lineup when the American basketball legend was drafted into UK action last week. The 25-year-old Guernseyman has been a regular member of the South coast outfit at centre this season, but he had to make way for the legendary five-time NBA champion and Celebrity Big Brother housemate Rodman when they beat Guildford Heat on Saturday night.

A capacity crowd of 1,500 and 60 journalists witnessed the 44-year-old Rodman making his well publicised debut for the Bears at the tiny Burgess Hill Triangle.

It is believed he signed a one-off deal for £22,000 after he was evicted from the reality TV show last Wednesday night.

Courtside tickets were going for £150 and the 6ft 9in. Yabsley even had to sit next to spectators on the player's bench in between going onto the court.

The match was delayed for half-an-hour when Rodman was late arriving from London.

'I gave up my spot for him,' said Yabsley.

'It was like a circus. It's the first time ever where I've had to wait for a player before we could start.

'It was different to any other basketball event I've ever been involved with in my life. There were roughly 25 film crews and media from all over the place.

'A college friend of mine in America said he saw me on CNN.'

Although possibly better known in the UK as a Big Brother housemate, Rodman carved out a reputation in the US for his wild, ever-changing coloured hair and for being a former boyfriend of Madonna.

He was was also part of the all-conquering Chicago Bulls team with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen that won three championships in the 1990s.

He is one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game.

During the match, Rodman bagged four points in 26 minutes of court time as Brighton came from behind to win 91-88.

Yabsley relished the opportunity to be able to speak and to play with one of his heroes.

'He's a legend,' said Yabsley.

'He's the best rebounder in the history of basketball. I felt anxious all day before I met him but he was a good guy.

'On the court he was just another player and off the court he didn't say too much.

'The way he was portrayed in Big Brother as a quiet guy is how he is.

'Before the game I was talking to him about the Big Brother after-party and about him in Stringfellows.

'I also asked him some advice on a few things about basketball as well.'

Yabsley had been selected for the England team for March's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne but he failed a fitness test earlier this month due to a knee ligament problem that will require surgery in May.

'I'm disappointed not to be going to Oz but all I can do is stay positive and to keep playing my best for the Bears,' he said.

In domestic basketball, La Fraternelle Allstars cruised to a 59-27 win over Bredoyle in Division Two of the Yorkshire Guernsey League.

The Allstars effectively won the match in the third quarter when, with the game poised at 17-15, they went on a 23-6 tear that saw them take an unassailable lead into the final period.

Adam Grogan top scored for the Allstars with 15 points.

Eventure Hornets trounced a young CIA Allstars team 80-14 in Division Three as Gemma Loveridge, Tanya Gibson and Sarah Gaudion all got into double figures with baskets.

Also in Division Three, Bachmann defeated Goldridge de Beauvoir in a low scoring affair, 39-20.

Goldridge captain Julie Elmy took home 14 points with her.

In Division Four, Les Camps Eagles lost to Northern Trust 17-68.

Simon Duquemin notched up an impressive 33 points for the victors.

Meanwhile, in Division Five, Colourcare Cavaliers overcame RGF 77-62.