09/12/07; 02/12/07; 18/11/07; 11/11/07; 04/11/07; 21/10/07; w/e14/10/07; w/e07/10/07
w/e 20/04/08 GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL PLAY OFF – SEMI FINAL SOUTHEND SWIFTS 71 EASTSIDE EAGLES 67 (AFTER EXTRA TIME) The National Play-off Finals at RAF Cosford is the aim for every age group team at the start of the basketball season. Positions in the respective regional divisions bring the reward of matches against teams from all over the country, with the top four in each age group getting the opportunity of competing on the biggest stage. For the second year running, Southend Swifts had all three girls teams taking part in the RAF-sponsored two day event. First into action were the under 14’s who had surprised even themselves in getting to this stage. Their opponents were Eastside Eagles, who were the first side to reach the finals in their debut season at this level. Southend started nervously, failing to get on the scoreboard in the opening five minutes as Eastside registered the first four points. Baskets from Hannah Gowland, Katie Holland and Beth Robson got them moving and the teams exchanged scores for the remainder of the opening quarter that saw Eagles with a narrow 14-12 lead.
The
A 6-2 stretch took Eastside 13 ahead and despite good work from Katie and Jess Holland, Swifts were still 49-36 behind midway through the third period. But suddenly there was a remarkable transformation. Another Smith three-pointer triggered a 12-2 run that brought her team right back into the game, trailing just 51-48 going into the final quarter.
Neither team managed to find the basket in the opening two minutes
as both showed understandable nerves and after seven minutes there had been just
10 points scored with Eastside leading 59-52. But once again Southend refused
to give up. A three-point play from Gowland and a Katie Holland score made it a
two point game. Eagles had the next score but 6 points from the
Baskets from Robson and Katie Holland took their team four ahead as every spectator at the event crowded around the court. Eagles had eight free throw chances but could manage just two successes before a short range shot tied the game up at 67 with 45 seconds remaining. After a patient offence, Moody made her way through to score a stunning left hand shot to regain the lead. Swifts stole the ball and Jess Holland was fouled. With all of the pressure on her, the 13 year old calmly slotted home both attempts to clinch the most stunning of victories. Captain Katie Holland led all scorers with a huge 32 point haul but this was a superlative team effort.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL PLAY OFF – FINAL
After the excitement of the incredible overtime victory in the semi final, Southend Swifts under 14 team had less than two hours to be ready for the National Final at RAF Cosford. Their opponents would be Midlands Division winners Nottingham Wildcats, unbeaten in all play so far this season.
When they scored the first seven points of the third quarter, the
lead was 32 and the game seemingly all over. But these young and diminutive
Swifts never know when they are beaten. Once again inspired by captain Katie
Holland, they put together a 10-1 stretch. A Robson basket gave a glimmer of hope, but Wildcats regained their composure and a 9-1 run took the margin above 20 and that was the game over. Swifts gave all of their players the chance to savour the big stage and were by no means disgraced in the 68-43 defeat to a very good team. Katie Holland, superb throughout the season, had again been top scorer but the young ladies had surpassed all expectations by finishing second in the country. With no fewer than seven players still eligible at this level next season, this team will only improve. w/e 05/04/08 GIRLS UNDER 14 PLAY-OFFS - QUARTER FINAL DONCASTER PANTHERS 52 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 57 Southend Swifts under 14 girls team made the long journey up the A1 to take on the Northern League Champions, Doncaster Panthers in the quarter final of the National Play-offs. The prize for both teams; a place in the Final Fours to be held at RAF Cosford in two weeks time. Southend struggled early on in front of a noisy and partisan crowd as Doncaster took a 10-2 lead. Swifts were looking to nurse captain Katie Holland and her twisted ankle through the contest, but the England Development squad member showed her calibre with her teams next nine points as they narrowed the gap to trail just 12-11 at the end of the opening quarter. Two foul shots from Amy Rodgers gave Southend their first lead but Panthers made a 6-2 run to regain the initiative. The Essex side were struggling against taller opponents and they managed just eight points in the second period whilst the hosts scored 13 to lead 25-19 at the half way point. When the margin extended to nine, the home side must have sensed victory but good work from Beth Robson and Jessica Holland and a three-pointer from Rodgers reduced the deficit to four at 32-28. A three-point play from Katie Holland made it a two point game with two minutes to play but nerves were definitely playing their part as the teams managed just three more points which left Doncaster 36-33 ahead going into the final quarter. A 6-4 run took Panthers five ahead before came a remarkable transformation. In a three minute spell, Swifts scored 13 points including two three-pointers from Robson and one from Francesca Moody that took them 50-48 ahead. Doncaster replied with the next four and with two minutes to play, they led 52-50. But Southend's resolve would hold good. They kept the home side scoreless for the remainder of the contest, whilst scoring the final seven points to record a famous victory that takes them into the major finals day. Katie Holland 24 and Beth Robson 12 had led the scoring in an outstanding team performance. w/e 30/03/08 GIRLS UNDER 14 PLAY OFF - 1ST ROUND SOUTHEND SWIFTS 77 NORTHANTS LIGHTNING 46 For their first round play-off fixture, Southend Swifts under 14 girls team welcomed Northants Lightning to their home court at Fitzwimarc School. Southend had finished in second place in their division whilst Northants had ended in 3rd position in their league. Swifts started well as their pressure defence brought early rewards scoring the first 10 points; captain Katie Holland with six. Lightning replied with the next four but that would be all they would manage in the opening quarter as the home side racked up a further 19 unanswered points. Hannah Gowland was particularly effective, scoring six in the spell but all of the players making telling contributions, particularly in defence. Changes in personnel obviously had an effect as Swifts managed just four points in the opening five minutes but four more points from Gowland steadied matters. Northants showed more composure but the re-introduction of Holland for the final four minutes enabled her team to move further ahead to lead 44-16 at the half time interval. A 6-2 run for Southend took them 50-18 ahead and a three-pointer from Beth Robson increased the margin. Amy Rodgers was finding her way to the basket and despite Northants having their best spell of the game, the lead with one quarter remaining was 63-32. Unsurprisingly the intensity dropped with both teams running their benches. Swifts lost Holland to a twisted ankle but the other youngsters showed their confidence by filling the gap. Good work from Jessica Holland and Francesca Moody kept the scoreboard moving and at the final buzzer, Southend had recorded a well-deserved 77-46 victory in very good standard contest. No fewer than 5 players ended in double figures with Katie Holland on 19, Amy Rodgers 14, Francesca Moody and Hannah Gowland on 12 apiece and Jessica Holland on 10. Next weekend is the most nerve-racking of the season. It sees the final play-off game for Swifts three age group girls teams who are seeking to get to the Final Fours at RAF Cosford. On Saturday, two of the teams take the hardest route as they have to travel; the under 18's to Birmingham Force and the under 14's to Doncaster Panthers. On Sunday the under 16's also play Doncaster, but this time at Fitzwimarc with an 11.30 start SOUTHEND TOO STRONG FOR GUTSY UNDER 14 GIRLS Under 14 Girls Play Offs 1st Round Southend “Swifts” 77 – 46 Northants “Lightning Too” The Northants under 13 girls rather surprised themselves by reaching the Under 14 Play Offs. They faced the rather daunting task of playing Southend “Swifts” in the 1st Round. Southend run one of the best women’s programmes in the country and their current crop of players is well up to their usual standard. The young “Lighnting Too” certainly found this out to their cost in the first period as they were positively blitzed by Southend’s pressure defence. At the end of that first quarter the county girls found themselves trailing 29-4 and a massive defeat was on the cards. Coach, Karen Goodrich drew on the team’s experiences in Calais the previous weekend and the payers responded well and over the next three periods were only outscored 48-42, although in fairness, Southend did play some of their weaker players. For “Lightning Too” Georgia Elliott-King top scored with 14 points but picked up a nasty looking knee injury. Lois Bain battled hard for her 11 point haul while Amy Grosvenor turned in an excellent all-round performance. w/e 16/03/08 UNDER 14 GIRLS GO DOWN TWICE AT MANSFIELD Under 14 Girls Midland Conference Nottingham “Wildcats” 61 – 25 Northants “Lightning” Mansfield “Giants” 49 -47 Northants “Lightning” There was double disappointment for the Northants “Lightning” last weekend as the lost both their games at Mansfield. First they went down to Conference champions elect Nottingham before slipping to a shock defeat against Mansfield “Giants” a team they had beaten on two previous occasions. Luckily the shock loss won’t affect their final 3rd place in the Conference which means they’ll have an away game in the Play Offs. w/e 24/02/08
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION Southend Swifts youngest team, the under 14 girls, looked to maintain second place in their conference when the visited Ipswich Bobcats. Swifts had recorded an 84-61 win when the teams met earlier in the season but had seen their opponents show significant improvement in recent matches. From the start it was evident that the home side's game plan was to stop Southend's captain Katie Holland, who had amassed 47 points in the previous fixture. This they did by detailing their players to use whatever means necessary to stop the England development squad member; an unusual tactic at this level of basketball. A nervous start from both teams made it a low scoring affair at 6-4 to Swifts after six minutes before a 6-2 run took Bobcats ahead at 10-8 but in the final two minutes of play Swifts scored 8 unanswered points to lead 16-10 after the opening period. A 10-5 stretch with three pointers from Holland and Amy Rodgers gave Southend a 26-15 advantage and when the same two players scored the next four, the lead was 15. Ipswich replied with the next four themselves but Swifts hit back with the final five points to hold a 35-19 half time lead. Bobcats came out much stronger at the start of the third period, putting together an excellent 11-2 run that reduced the deficit to 7. A three-pointer from Beth Robson and another Holland score wrestled back the initiative and with one quarter remaining Southend's lead was 44-34. As befits a captain, Holland dominated the early exchanges, scoring all of her teams 9 points as the lead extended to 53-36. The hosts replied with the next four before Holland scored her third three-point shot of the afternoon to put the game beyond doubt at 60-42. Ipswich continued to show great resolve with the final six points but they could get no closer as Swifts ended the game with a hard fought 60-48 win. Robson with 11 and Rodgers 8 had showing great composure throughout but the team was again led with Holland's 29 points under the severest of pressure. w/e 17/02/08 UNDER 14 GIRLS GO ONE AND ONE Under 14 Girls Midland Conference Northants “Lightning” 37 - 40 Aylesbury “Dux” Northants “Lightning” 57 – 11 Mansfield “Giants” An under strength The Northants “Lightning” under 14 girls team slipped to a disappointing defeat against Aylesbury “Dux” last Saturday. The county girls looked to be well in control of proceedings after taking a 16-8 first quarter lead. All their good work was undone in the second period when they managed a paltry 2 points allowing Aylesbury to tie the scores at 18 all at half time. “Dux” edged the third period 15-13 but a “Lightning” win still seemed the most likely outcome. In the final period of play the y defended magnificently, restricting their opponents to just 7 points but they could manage only 6 themselves as they slipped to a 40-37 defeat; Rovinj Allen contributing 14 points. The team restored as little bit of pride against Mansfield “Giants” as they recorded a convincing 57-11 victory. Jess Finch led the scoring with 14 points, Allen contributed 12 while Faye Clarke scored 10 points and dished out a number of assists. U14 GIRLS NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION 1
After their heavy
loss to undefeated Haringey two weeks ago Swifts were looking to regain their
winning ways with a trip to
Despite allowing the hosts to score the opening basket Swifts made a positive start with some excellent pressing defence which created good scoring opportunities for Katie Holland and Amy Rodgers. With an 11-2 lead after just 4 minutes and a 15-4 lead after 8 minutes Swifts looked comfortable but the Suns were not going to lie down and came back with an 8-0 run in the last 2 minutes to reduce Swifts lead to 15-12 at the end of the first period. The next period was by far the most competitive of the match. The Suns played with tremendous effort and determination and Swifts, brilliantly led by captain Katie Holland with 11 points in the period, weathered the storm. The teams virtually traded baskets throughout the entire quarter with the edge just going to Swifts resulting in a 42-33 lead at half time. The third period proved to be the decisive one in Swifts victory with Katie Holland continuing to dominate proceedings but this time very well supported by her sister Jess who gave one of her best performances of the season, particularly in finishing the fast break. Francesca Moody, Beth Robson and Amy Rodgers all played well in the guard position despite an unusually high number of turnovers during the game. Runs of 6-0 and 8-0 enabled Swifts to establish a 67 – 46 lead at the end of the period. The 21 point cushion allowed Swifts to run their bench in the final stanza and good work from Hannah Gowland, Emily Watts and the rest of the squad kept the margin above 20 points and ensured a confidence-boosting win. Katie Holland 33 points, Jess Holland 14 pts, Amy Rodgers 10pts. w/e 10/02/08 UNDER 14 GIRLS DO THE BUSINESS IN SHROPSHIRE Under 14 Girls Midland Conference Shropshire “Warriors” 33 – 71 Northants “Lightning” The Northants under 14 girls travelled to Telford yesterday and picked up a comfortable win over Shropshire “Warriors”. Coach, Natasha Wesley was able to give all her players ample court times and she pronounced herself well please with an excellent all-round team performance. w/e 02/02/08 GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION HARINGEY ANGELS 73 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 28 The visit to unbeaten Haringey Angels was always going to be a difficult task for Southend Swifts under 14 girls team. The London side boast the biggest and strongest squad in the country and Southend were severely weakened with captain Katie Holland suffering from a badly twisted ankle. Angels took an early 8-2 lead but Swifts kept up the fight and five points from Francesca Moody kept her team in the contest and at the end of the first quarter the score stood at just 16-13 to the home side. The second period, however, would see a decisive change as Haringey totally dominated proceedings. Their tall players prevented Southend getting close to the basket and when shots were missed the Angels players were able to run the ball rapidly back for easy scores. A 26-3 quarter told its' own tale as the hosts led 42-16 at the half time break. The third period was no better for the visitors as they continued to struggle against Haringey's huge physical advantage. There was just no way that they could get good scoring opportunities and with 10 minutes remaining, they trailed 66-17. The final quarter at least showed some semblance of respectability, as Swifts finally began to put some cohesive play together. They managed to keep the deficit within bounds but that could not prevent only their second defeat of the season as they lost by 73 points to 28. w/e 06/01/08 GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 89 IPSWICH BOBCATS 61 The final match in a busy weekend for Southend Swifts saw their under 14 girls team in action against Ipswich Bobcats. The Suffolk side boast a very tall line-up which has helped them to two victories in their opening four games, whilst Southend have four wins in their five matches. Two early baskets from Beth Robson settled the home sides nerves as they moved to a 7-2 lead. Ipswich hit back as they showed good energy and after seven minutes the score was just 11-10. But Swifts captain Katie Holland and younger sister Jess took over proceedings, combining for 10 points that helped their team to a 21-11 first quarter lead. The second quarter would see an excellent performance from Swifts. With Katie Holland in irrepressible form, and with Blaise Copeland and Emily Watts having their best performances of the season, the young ladies extended their lead to 20 at 36-16 midway through the second period. Bobcats showed great resolve and scored six straight points in the final minute before a basket from Francesca Moody helped the hosts to a 44-26 half time lead. The visitors came out strongly in the third period, making a 6-2 run, but eight unanswered for Southend gave them a 58-34 lead. Ipswich had their best spell of the day, going on an excellent 13-2 stretch, although Holland wrestled back the initiative for her team by scoring six of the final eight points, as Swifts led 66-49 going into the final quarter. Both teams continued to show excellent skills and at 71-55 the contest was still in the balance. But the home side showed the greater concentration and with Amy Rodgers contributing eight points in an 18-6 run over the final seven minutes, they ended up deserved winners by 89 points to 61. Moody 12 and Rodgers 10 had good scoring days but the accolades went to Katie Holland with a career high 47 points. w/e 09/12/07GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH 1 CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 65 SOUTHAMPTON TRAILBLAZERS 41 Next into action were the under 14 girls team who met Southampton Trailblazers for the first time. Southend were sitting in second place with three wins from four games whilst Southampton were third with three wins from five games. Both sides started tentatively until three consecutive baskets from Jessica Holland took Swifts 10-7 ahead. Trailblazers hit back with six straight and the teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the first quarter as the home side led 17-15. The visitors change of defensive line-up and distinct height advantage was causing Southend considerable problems but in the second period Swifts pressing defence would come to the fore as they kept their opponents to just two points as they extended their lead to 27-17; Katie Holland and Francesca Moody sharing their teams 10 points. The third quarter saw the young Essex team really stamp their authority on the game. With Moody playing excellent defence and Beth Robson and Amy Rodgers scoring off of fast breaks the lead extended to 46 points to 27. The final period saw Southend maintain the momentum and with Lauren Tate scoring her first National League point, the hosts ran out comfortable winners by 65 points to 41. Katie Holland leading the scorers with 22, Moody 12 and Rodgers 11. GUTSY UNDER 14 GIRLS MAULED BY “WILDCATS” Under 14 Girls Midland Conference Northants “Lightning” 21 – 92 Nottingham “Wildcats” Northants “Lightning” 20 – 0 Birmingham “Force” It’s not often a team gets a standing ovation especially when they’ve just been beaten by over 70 points but the crowd at the Northants Basketball Centre rose as one to applaud the “Lightning” under 14 girls at the end of the game. The ovation came after “Lightning” had been hammered by a “Wildcats” team boosted by the inclusion of two recruits from Birmingham. It was also an acknowledgement of the way the county youngsters playing without a number of key players reacted to the Nottingham full court pressure which was maintained even after they had established a massive lead. The county girls led by Faye Clarke kept going to the end and well deserved their accolade despite the margin of their defeat. Ironically the scheduled three team tournament became a one off game because Birmingham with two of their ex-players playing for Nottingham couldn’t raise a team. w/e 02/12/07GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH 1 DIVISION SOUTHEND SWIFTS 76 SOLENT SUNS 40 The first match in a very hectic day for Southend Swifts saw their under 14 girls team in action for the first time in 4 weeks when they welcomed Solent Suns to their home court at Fitzwimarc School. Southend are currently in second place, with just one loss, whilst Solent have yet to record a win in their opening three games. After conceding the first score, Swifts showed their undoubted promise as they reeled off the next 25 points to take a commanding advantage. Led by captain Katie Holland, they rapidly turned pressure defence into very quick attack which brought constant rewards. Suns put a 6-2 run together but a Beth Robson three-pointer restored the initiative and at the end of the first quarter the score stood at 30-10. The barrage continued in the second period with Stephanie Smith and Jessica Holland scoring at will. Despite Solent's height advantage, excellent rebounding from Amy Rodgers in particular denied their opponents second chance opportunities and at half time the lead had increased to 47-19. Unsurprisingly the momentum waned in the third quarter as Southend's scoring simply dried up. The players seemed to over-elaborate on every play and the team managed just seven points whilst Solent had their best spell of the match reducing the deficit by five at 54-31 going into the final 10 minutes. The teams traded baskets over the first seven minutes before Swifts ran in the final 10 points to take the contest by 76 points to 40. Katie Holland 28, Jessica Holland 15 and Amy Rodgers and Stephanie Smith 10 each leading the scorers. w/e 18/11/07SUPER UNDER 14 GIRL’S STAY UNBEATEN Under 14 Girl’s Midland Conference Northants “Lightning” 45 -36 Exeter “Eagles” Hinckley “Lady Hoops” 27- 52 Northants “Lightning” The unbeaten under 14 girls came through their toughest test of the season so far and came out of it still unbeaten. The team arrived at their latest tournament in Hinckley to see Exeter complete a 40 points mauling of the home side so they knew they would face a tough test. So it proved with “Eagles” leading by three points at half time. Then the team led by ball handler Faye Clarke and the efforts of Lana Doran and Rovinj Allen recovered to take the game 45-36. Faced with a game against Hinckley “Ladyhoops” there was always the chance of the game being a little bit of an anti-climax. Coach, Natasha Wesley stressed to her team the importance of focussing on the basics of the game and the team responded well cruising to a 52-27 win with the team retaining their unbeaten record. w/e 11/11/07UNDER 14 GIRLS MAKE IT FOUR OUT OF FOUR Under 14 Girl’s Midland Conference Ilkeston “Outlaws” 24 - 78 Northants “Lightning” Aylesbury “Dux” 28 – 52 Northants “Lightning” The Northants “Lightning” made it four wins from four starts after winning both their games in this tournament staged at Bilborough College in Nottingham. “Lightning” opened with a comfortable 78-24 win over Ilkeston “Outlaws” but against new girls Aylesbury “Dux” the county girls were made to struggle. “Lightning” was able to maintain their defensive effort by limiting their opponents scoring opportunities but they found scoring difficult to score themselves. At the end of the third period they led by just eight points at 32-24 but then they turned on the style outscoring the “Dux” 20 points to four to take victory 52-28. w/e 04/11/07 TWO BIG WINS FOR UNDER 14 GIRLS Under 14 Girls Midland Conference Northants “Lightning” 62 – 23 Shropshire “Warriors” Birmingham “Force” 32 – 59 Northants “Lightning The Northants “Lightning” under 14 girls turned in two excellent performances in this Midland Conference Tournament. The county girls were able to play at a speed an intensity their opponents were unable to cope with and this factor matched by an outstanding team spirit will make them a difficult side to beat over the course of the season. For “Lightning” Rovinj Allen, Faye Clarke and Lana Doran were outstanding but Coach, Mary McCracken was delighted by the contributions made by all her players. GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 65 CHILTERN PUMAS 28 Southend Swifts under 14 girls team went into their latest fixture without captain Katie Holland so had to expect a tough battle against Chiltern Pumas at Fitzwimarc School. Swifts' squad this season includes five players in their first season of competitive play plus two who are new to the club. But any doubts were soon dispelled as the young ladies produced a stunning display that brought prolonged applause from the watching crowd. From 4 points all, they scored the next 21 over a five minute period that all but settled the match. At the fore was 11 year old Amy Rogers who scored no less than 20 of the points as she dazzled all before her with an array of moves to the basket. At the end of the first period the hosts led 32-9 and were able to use the rest of the game to give much needed court time to all of their players. After a quiet second quarter, Swifts scored the first 12 points in the third period to take the lead above 30, and with Francesca Moody scoring eight straight points, the margin stood at 52-22 going into the final 10 minutes. The youngsters were determined to end on a positive note and good scoring from Hannah Gowland kept the scoreboard moving. All that remained was for Rodgers to score a three-point shot as her team ran out convincing winners by 65 points to 28. Rogers with a career high 31 and Gowland 11 led the way in a very good team display. w/e 21/10/07UNDER 14 GIRLS SEEN OFF BY KATLIN Under 14 Girls South-East Conference Northants “Lightning Too” 39 – 65 Sevenoaks “Suns” Another two year team put up a tremendous battle against Sevenoaks “Suns” in the Under 14 Girls League. Their defeat was down in the main to “Suns” player Katlin Lewis who scored 32 of her team’s points. Lewis the daughter of former professional player Christine Lewis proved too much for the young county girls who would have got a lot closer to their opponents had they not missed a number of easy scoring opportunities. For “Lightning Too” Georgia Elliott-King scored 17 points and she was well supported by Lois Bain who contributed 10. 14/10/07GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION
SOUTHEND
SWIFTS 70
A busy day
of National League basketball with four teams in action saw Southend Swifts
under 14 girls start the action when they welcomed Brentwood Fire to
Brentwood started well, taking a 14-8 lead after seven minutes before Southend produced a scintillating spell, outscoring the visitors 14-2 to take a 22-16 first quarter lead with 11 year old Amy Rodgers contributing eight. The visitors fought back and with Swifts simply unable to find the basket, a 17-5 run took them eight ahead at 35-27. A first-ever score for Georgina Syrett got Southend back onto the scoresheet and at half time the score stood at 37-31. The margin remained at 6 at 37-43 before Swifts simply took over proceedings. Led by Francesca Moody and captain Katie Holland, they produced a devastating six minute spell that took them 51-47 ahead with one quarter remaining.
GIRLS UNDER 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE - SOUTH CONFERENCE SOUTHEND SWIFTS 42 HARINGEY ANGELS 51 For their first national league fixture, Southend Swifts under 14 girls team found themselves against the size and athleticism of the visitors from Haringey Angels. Swifts fielded six new players in their squad of 12, so knew they were in for a hard battle against the team tipped to be this years national champions. So it proved as Angels took an early 7-2 lead, but four points from captain Katie Holland reduced the deficit to one. This gave Swifts considerable confidence and with Holland dominating at both ends of the court, the score stood at 17-15 to Haringey at the end of the first quarter. An 8-2 run for the London side opened some daylight but four points from Stephanie Smith brought it back to 21-25 Haringey, however, showed the greater composure and another 8-2 stretch gave them a 33-23 half time lead. The third quarter proved to be disastrous for Swifts as they failed to register a score as Haringey doubled their lead to 20 going into the final quarter. After conceding the first basket Southend suddenly got themselves into action, scoring 10 unanswered including a three-point shot from 11 year old Amy Rodgers. Haringey replied with the next score before the home side ended the contest with a 9-4 run as they fell to a not unexpected defeat but by the narrow margin of 51-42. This was a very valiant performance in their first effort of the season with Katie Holland top-scoring with 25 points.
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