Basketball: Powe to fill Watford's gap

Phil Powe flew straight into a crisis this week, but has the chance to become an instant hero tonight by leading Watford Royals to their first win of the season at Derby Storm in the Budweiser League.

The 6ft 7in American is the first stage of a recruiting drive by the coach, Vince Macauley-Razaq, who is also signing the former Worthing Bears' American Cleave Lewis.

Macauley-Razaq took over four weeks into the season after sacking Dana Beszczynski, but says Lewis's arrival means he will now stay on, with Lewis also assisting as a coach.

Lewis' debut is delayed by red tape, however. He has had to reapply for a work permit despite first playing in England 12 years ago and signing for Guildford this season.

Derby offer the Royals the rare chance of a win, as the arrival of Powe coincides with the Storm losing American DeRon Rutledge to an ankle injury. Derby have won only two games.

- Richard Taylor