A COUNTY basketball club are looking to increase their numbers after playing their first competitive game on Sunday.

Hereford Hornets have been going for four years and are looking to eventually play in a Central Venue League.

The side narrowly lost to Worcester Wolves' under-15s and more matches are now being lined up.

"It was a good game and the team played really well," said Ryan Emery, basketball development officer for Hereford Hornets.

"Hereford Hornets was set up four years ago, so it was massive thing to play our first ever competitive game.

"We've got a couple more games coming up against the Worcester Academy at different age groups, with matches against the under-18s and maybe another one against the under-15s.

"But if anyone else wants a friendly, then please get in touch."

The Hornets are looking to become part of a newly proposed Herefordshire Basketball Association, which will link junior and adult basketball delivery around the county.

This includes an adult session that currently takes place at Hereford Academy on Friday evenings from 8pm to 10pm.

Hereford Hornets cater for all ages, with groups being mixed girls and boys, and train at Hereford Leisure Centre on Sundays from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Between 30 and 40 people currently engage with the club on a weekly basis, but 300 people have come through their doors since September, with players coming from across the county.

Emery believes that basketball is a great way to gain fitness.

"The traditional sports in schools are football and rugby for boys and netball for girls and we're not trying to change that, we're just trying to engage with schools to see if children can try basketball," said Emery.

"It is fun, energetic, is played indoors and is a great sport for fitness because you're always running about.

"Hereford Sixth Form College have a performance based centre and we're looking to raise more awareness."

To find out more information about the club and how to get involved, email Ryan Emery at ryan.emery1@outlook.com