Basketball: Codona survives as EBA looks to reform

England basketball's hierarchy survived Saturday's annual general meeting at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, although Betty Codona retained her position as chair of the English Basketball Association only by a single vote at a board meeting held afterwards.

Codona received four votes, three went to Bob Widdecombe of Plymouth Raiders, who was backed by the NBL Conference clubs, and there was one abstention.

Disquiet has been growing over the management of the sport by the governing body, most recently over publication of the annual report which revealed accumulated debts of £1.175m and "exceptional costs" of £139,000.

The board did not appoint a new financial director and may ask for assistance from Sport England, who have said that the "fundamental review" into the sport should now continue. Codona has worked closely with Sport England in implementing the review, a factor which probably weighed in her favour at the board meeting.

No chief executive was appointed, leaving Graham Jones to continue to act in that capacity. NBL Conference clubs, though, did have some success. Jeff Jones, former England international and coach of the Manchester Magic, was elected director of coaching. Robert Donaldson, another former international, from the Coventry Crusaders was elected international director.

Sheffield Sharks replaced Brighton Bears at the top of the BBL Championship by beating them 86-84, the winning shot coming from Rob Yanders six seconds from time after Justin Phoenix and Rico Alderson were ejected in the final quarter for fighting.

Newcastle Eagles join Birmingham Bullets in the semi-finals of the BBL Trophy at the Aston Events Centre on 8 February after scoring the last five points to defeat Scottish Rocks 98-91 in their final group game yesterday.

Birmingham will play Thames Valley, London or Brighton in the semi-finals, and Newcastle will play Chester or Sheffield.