18/10; 25/10; 01/11; 15/11; 22/11; 29/11; 13/12; 20/12; 17/01; 24/01; 31/01; 07/02; 14/02; 21/02; 28/02; 07/03; 14/03;

 

W/e 14th March 2010

Women’s National League Division Two North

City of Sheffield Hatters 49 Mansfield Giants 40

Hallam-Hatters concluded their National League Division Two North programme with a victory over Mansfield Giants in a low scoring game at Doncaster Deaf School.

Hallam-Hatters edged the first quarter by two points before extended their lead to what would ultimately become a game winning margin in the second, going into hallf time leading 28-20.

The visitors won the third quarter 11-9 to reduce the deficit slightly, before Michael Talbot’s side wrapped up the game with 12 final quarter points to post a 49-40 victory.

Top Scorers: Lindsay 17, Malendowicz 12, Kirk 10

Hallam-Hatters finished the season in third place in Division Two North, finishing two points behind runners-up Manchester Mystics.

W/e 7th March 2010

Women’s National League Division 2 North

Mansfield Giants 63 City Of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 68

Hallam-Hatters made the short trip to Mansfield, at the begin of a weekend double header which would see them looking to secure third place in Division 2 North.

Mansfield began well, forcing Hallam-Hatters onto the back foot for much of the first quarter, and at the end of ten minutes, it was the home side who led narrowly, 16-14.

The game remained close throughout the second period, with Hatters struggling to take control. Baskets were traded for much of the quarter and at half time, it was the Giants who led by a point, heading into the lockers leading 31-30.

The teams continued to trade points throughout the third, with little between the sides. With ten minutes to go the two sides were tied with the score line 49-49.

With all to play for, Hallam-Hatters edged the final quarter, outscoring the hosts 19-14 to record a hard fought 68-63 victory.

Top scorers: Lindsay 21, Kirk 14, Malendowicz 13

 

Women’s National League Division 2 North

City Of Sheffield Hatters 65 Team Northumbria II Eagles 60

Hatters made it a maximum point weekend and secured third spot in division two North with an overtime victory over Team Northumbria II.

Hallam-Hatters began well and led at the end of the first quarter by 15-6. Any thoughts of an easy victory were quickly dispelled as the visitors dominated the second quarter, outscoring Michael Talbot’s side 30-11 in the second period to go into the interval leading 26-36.

With the two teams trading baskets for much of the third quarter, Hallam-Hatters were unable to make inroads into the visitors lead and with ten minutes left, a shock looked on the cards with Northumbria leading 31-40.

Whatever coach Talbot said before the start of the fourth quarter, it had the desired effect and Hallam-Hatters stormed back into contention. Winning the quarter 23-14, the home side took the game into overtime with the scores tied at 54-54.

Hallam-Hatters pressed hard throughout the overtime period, reducing turnovers with a good team effort and were able to close out the game with a 65-60 victory.

Top Scorers: Lindsay 27, Taylor 13, Kirk 11

W/e 28th February 2010

National League Division Two North

City of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 103 Cheshire Jets 33

Hallam Hatters started the game strong with tough defence against Cheshire, resulting in a few steals and a quick lead on fast breaks from the Hallam Hatters. Kirk had an outstanding fast game, making many lay-ups off the fast break often assisted by Lindsey and Taylor. This pressure proved too much for the Cheshire Jets and the Hallam-Hatters led 34 – 7 after the first quarter.

Hallam Hatters continued the pressure in the second quarter and Kirk and Lindsey showed some great team play, taking it in turn to pass and score the ball on fast breaks. Taylor proved certain on her shooting and put away most of her free throws and a few three point shots. This increased Hallam-Hatters score to 54 – 11 after the second quarter.

Hallam Hatters continued to put pressure on in the third quarter yet again led by Kirk on the fast break. Rowland and Lindsey seemed dominant with their rebounds both defensively and offensively. Cheshire Jets kept the momentum up and did not seem to give up despite facing a tough opponent. However, the score after the third quarter was still 81-18 to Hallam Hatters.

The Cheshire Jets seemed to come back fighting in the fourth quarter and played more aggressively on defence. This affected the fluency of the Hallam Hatters and the Cheshire Jets got more points in this quarter than in any other quarter of the game. However, Hallam Hatters came back into the game towards the end of the fourth quarter, again with Kirk scoring several points off the fast break, leaving the end result 103 – 33 to the Hallam Hatters.

Top Scorers: Kirk 38, Taylor 14, Lindsey 12, Rowland 12.

W/e 21st February 2010

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – MIDLAND/SOUTH EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 74 HINCKLEY LADYHOOPS 83

For the second time in seven days, Southend Swifts senior team met Hinckley Ladyhoops on their home court at Eastwood High school. Southend had recorded a very good win the previous week, but were missing captain Jennie Rodgers, whilst Hinckley had their Lithuanian international Vaiva Beniusyte back in their line-up.

Three-pointers from Hannah Culwick and Beth Robson gave Swifts an early lead but with Beniusyte in equally good shooting form, the visitors led 12-11. With Culwick showing her uncanny accuracy from long range, the game resembled the Gunfight at the OK Corral, with three point shots flying in from all angles; Hinckley leading 25-22 at the end of the first quarter.

The second period was little different as Holland took over the sharpshooter spot as she and Beniusyte scored two threes apiece. Another Culwick effort (her 5th of the first half) took the home side 34-33 ahead and the teams traded scores for the remainder of the first half with Ladyhoops holding a very narrow 42-40 lead.

The Midland side came out much more strongly, taking a 53-43 lead, with a Robson three-pointer Swifts only score. A time out seemed to settle the side as they sought to decrease the deficit and with the hosts starting to find their way to the basket; five late points saw the deficit at just 61-53 with one stanza remaining.

The gap narrowed to 66-60 but nine straight took it back to 75-60. Southend changed to a more aggressive defensive formation and despite getting a number of turnovers, they could not put enough pressure on their opponents to get close enough as they fell to an 83-74 defeat in a very high scoring contest. Culwick with 24 points, Holland 22 and Robson a senior career high of 16 leading the scoring.

W/e 14th February 2010

National League Division Two North

City Of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 57 Sefton Starlights 63

Hallam- Hatters slipped to a shock defeat at the hands of Sefton Starlights at All Saints.

Hallam-Hatters started the game with great intensity forcing turnovers from Sefton, creating good fast break opportunities to take the lead. Sefton managed to capitalise on second chances to score with good offensive rebounding keeping in touch with the Hatters who, by the end of the first period, had established a 23-17 lead.

Throughout the second period, the teams traded baskets with neither being able to dominate proceedings. Hatters demonstrated good team shooting inside the arc and excellent 3-pointers from Katy Taylor. Even though Hatters were shooting successfully, Sefton still managed to keep the game close, making the most of their height advantage over the Hatters. At halftime the visitors had reduced Hatters lead to 5 with a score of 39-34.

The third period proved difficult for Hallam-Hatters with Sefton switching to a zone defence. Hallam-Hatters struggled to get shooting opportunities resulting in the low scoring period of 10 points for the Hosts. Sefton continued with their intense tough play and took the lead for the first time in the game. As the teams entered the final quarter, the visitors had established a 53-49 lead.

Any thoughts of a comeback from the home side were quickly dispelled as the visitors comfortably closed out the game. The Sefton zone defence caused real problems for the Hatters, alongside some tough calls from the referee against the Hatters, not least when Hallam-Hatters Lauren Lindsey fouled out midway through the period. At the final buzzer it was Sefton who returned home with the points after a 63-57 victory.

Hallam-Hatters top scorers: Lindsay 16, Taylor 13, Rowland 10

 

City Of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 62 Stockport Lapwings 65

Hallam-Hatters slipped to a second defeat of the weekend after narrowly missing out on a victory over top of the league Stockport Lapwings on Sunday.

Lapwings arrived in Sheffield having beaten Michael Talbot’s side in last weekends Trophy final.

Stockport pressured Hatters from the start with a full court zone press and took an early lead. Hatters initially managed the press well, passing as a team which resulted in fast break opportunities. Hatters unfortunately didn’t take full opportunity with baskets missed allowing Stockport to maintain the lead. The first quarter ended with 1 point separating the team 18-17 in Stockport favour.

The unbeaten league leaders were able to increase their lead early in the second quarter with turnovers creeping in the Hatters game. This gave Stockport easy baskets, allowing them to take an11 point lead. Hatters didn’t drop their heads and rallied back with increased intensity of defence reducing the gap to 5 points to trail

32-37 at the half time break.

Lapwings also edged the low scoring third period and, with the home side guilty of a number of turnovers at vital times, the visitors went into the final quarter leading 40-48.

Hallam-Hatters refused to lie down and came back strongly in the final quarter. The hosts showed great team spirit, and tied the game at 57-57 with 3 minutes remaining. Stockport continued to press but Hallam-Hatters were able to pass the ball and this lead to fast break opportunities. For the first time the home side went in to the lead by 3 points, forcing Stockport to call a timeout. This proved successful with Stockport responding to tie the game once more. Stockport continued with their momentum and this allowed the visitors to re-take the lead. Hallam-Hatters had opportunities to tie the game but unfortunately this didn’t happen. The home side were forced into fouling as the clock was running down, Stockport successfully scored their free throws increasing the gap to 3 points. Hatters had one last long three point attempt with 6 seconds remaining but unfortunately this proved unsuccessful. The game finished 62-65.

Top scorers: S.Kirk 18, L. Lindsay 12, H.Ward 12

 

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – MIDLAND/SOUTH EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 85 HINCKLEY LADYHOOPS 68

So the final game of the day saw the Southend Swifts senior women meet Hinckley Ladyhoops. Both teams are near the foot of the league table and were looking to climb towards the play-off position. The teams had met twice in Leicestershire earlier in the season with Southend winning both; once in the league, the other in the National Trophy.

Swifts started stronger, taking an 11-6 lead after five minutes with Hannah Culwick contributing eight. Hinckley hit back with a strong spell of their own, outscoring the home side 13-7 to hold a very narrow 19-18 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

But it was two 15 year olds that would wrestle the initiative back to Swifts. A three-pointer from Beth Robson tied the game up and three successive scores from Francesca Moody helped her team to go 34-29 ahead. The play from both teams became scrappy but a three-pointer from Katie Doubleday gave her team a 37-33 half time advantage.

Good work from Jennie Rodgers and Katie Holland got Swifts six ahead and after the teams traded scores, Moody and Robson again found the basket to take their team 54-42 ahead and three more from Robson and a Molly Tappin foul shot made it 58-46 going into the final stanza.

Another Culwick three-pointer took the margin to 13 and after Ladyhoops had the next score, a 9-0 run should have made the game safe; Holland contributing five. But the visitors showed great resolve, making a 9-2 runn of their own that saw them trail just 72-59 with three minutes to play. Another Culwick trey was answered by one from Hinckley and a trade of scores left it at 79-66 going into the final minute. However frustration set in for the Midland side and a series of technical fouls were awarded against them that saw Holland convert six straight foul shots that put the game out of sight at 85-68. Holland 21 points, Culwick 18 and Rodgers 15 leading the scoring.

 

W/e 7th February 2010

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – SOUTH DIVISION

LEICESTER CANNONS 72 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 30

The three tough girls’ game the previous day meant that Southend Swifts had a number of players unavailable for the journey to Leicester due to injuries. The home side were at full strength.

Southend made a surprising start, taking a 6-2 lead as Katie Holland found her way through the home defence. But Holland turned her ankle, which restricted her mobility, and Cannons were able to take the initiative. Swifts were able to restrict their opponents to just 30 points in the first half and battled throughout the contest.

Leicester elected to play a very physical pressing defence for the whole game, which the officials deemed as legal, but the young Southend side kept their resolve and got through the fixture that many other clubs would have forfeited.

Holland 17 points and Hannah Culwick 10 leading their team.

W/e 31st January 2010

Women’s National League Division 2 North

City of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 68 Bury Blue Devils 53

Hallam-Hatters continued their recent run of form, warming up for next weekend’s National trophy final with a 68-53 win over Bury Blue Devils at All Saints.

Both Hallam-Hatters and Bury started strong, pushing the ball quickly up the court which resulted in successful baskets on the fast break. Bury played tough, aggressive defence which made it hard for Hallam-Hatters to score. The first quarter was extremely close and ended 17-16 with Hatters down by 1 point.

Hatters started the second quarter strongly and picked up their intensity on defence. Good rebounding allowed the Hallam-Hatters to pass the ball down the court quickly with great fast break opportunities. Hallam-Hatters were also able to play some good half court offence, showing good patience and finding the open player under the basket. The second quarter ended 38-26 to Hallam-Hatters.

Hallam-Hatters started the third quarter well but Bury continued to hustle the ball and to fight back, which tested the hatters defensively. But Hallam-Hatters remained calm and played their half court offence well, with many successful shots from outside the key. Michael Talbot’s side were able to push the ball up the court with great fast break opportunities. The third quarter ended 55-42 to home side.

The fourth quarter was much of the same but Bury continued to fight. Hallam-Hatters remained calm and played as a team in order to keep their lead. Hallam-Hatters were able to use the clock to their advantage and the fourth quarter ended 68-53.

Top 3 scorers: Stacey Kirk: 17; Lauren Lindsay: 15; Berit Gangstad: 12

 

SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 – SOUTH DIVISION

SEVENOAKS SUNS II 53 SOUTHEND SWIFTS 72

After a run of defeats, Southend Swifts senior women looked to reverse their fortunes when they travelled to Sevenoaks Suns. Southend were again understrength and gave Shannon Matthews her first outing at this level.

Swifts made a poor start, trailing 9-2 after five minutes, but with Jennie Rodgers starting to get to the basket, the deficit began to reduce. Matthews had her first senior basket and at the end of the first quarter Sevenoaks lead was just 13-2.

Five points from Hannah Culwick gave Southend their first lead and with Katie Holland creating space for herself the margin grew to 26-21. Suns hit back and despite another Culwick three-pointer the game was tied up at 31 all at half time.

But whatever was said during the half time interval had the desired effect. Sevenoaks could find no way to the basket and with 14 year old Amy Rodgers scoring six straight points, Swifts began to pull away. Consecutive three-pointers from Beth Robson and Holland made it 47-36 and with the younger Rodgers scoring on the fast break the score was 51-40 at the end of the third period.

Southend suddenly found their long range shooting touch as Culwick twice and the Rodgers sisters once each hit three point shots to put the game out of sight at 67-43 as the visitors ended with a comfortable 72-53 win with Jennie Rodgers on 29 points, Culwick 13 and Amy Rodgers 11.

W/e 24th January 2010

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH EAST DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 56 LONDON WESTSIDE 84

The final home game saw Southend Swifts senior team (none of whom are seniors) take on unbeaten London Westside, Southend are having a tough time as their understrength team struggles against much older and experienced opponents.

The visitors made the better start, taking a 6-2 lead after just two minutes, but Swifts hit back with the next seven points, to take an unexpected lead: Hannah Culwick including a three-pointer in the spell. The next two Southend scores were also three pointers; Culwick and Sarah Cozens sharing the load, but Westside hit back with the next six to lead 18-15. However, with Katie Holland finding her way to the basket the hosts kept in the game, trailing just 22-21 at the end of the first quarter.

The second period would see a remarkable 10 minutes as the youngsters from Essex gave a remarkable display of long distance shooting. The first three baskets were all three-pointers, Culwick with two, Holland had the next five points and when Culwick had two further three-pointers, the lead was a most unlikely 40-32 with the team making 27 of their points from very, very long distance.

But the exertions of the first half had certainly taken their toll. Culwick was shut down and with Westside using their experience they got themselves in front at 47-45. After that, it was largely one-way traffic as the London side took the second half by 52 points to 16 to take a deserved victory if by the slightly flattering margin of 84 points to 56. Culwick with 22 points (including six three-pointers), Holland 18 and Cozens 10 leading a valiant effort.

 

Women’s National League Division Two North

City of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 153 Ilkeston Outlaws 26

In Division 2 North, Hallam-Hatters also found themselves up against opposition yet to register a win and took no time in taking control of the game. 41 first quarter points, wit just five in reply, put Hallam-Hatters in total command and ended the game as a contest. Hallam-Hatters continued n much the same vein for the remainder of the contest, leading 78-12 at half time and 115-20 at the three quarter mark. Hallam-Hatters completed their victory with a further 38 fourth quarter points to seal a comprehensive 153-26 victory.

Hatters leading Scorers: Berit Gangstad 42, Stacey Kirk 23 and Lauren Lindsey 20.

The win keeps Hallam-Hatters in third place in Division 2 North, behind unbeaten Stockport Lapwings and second place Manchester Mystics.

W/e 17th January 2010

Manchester Mystics 72-74City of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters

Hallam-Hatters travelled across the Pennines to face the division leaders and returned with the points after a superb win in Manchester.

After taking a narrow 17-15 lead into the first interval, Hatters found themselves trailing 32-32 at the half and remained two points behind at the end of the third quarter.

Hallam-Hatters though refused to be beaten and after a thrilling final quarter it was Michael Talbot’s side that held the two point lead to gain revenge for an opening day defeat to Manchester, returning to South Yorkshire with the points from a 74-72 victory.

Top Scorers: Ward 20. Gangstad 18, Kirk 15.

Hatters win puts them in third place behind Mystics and the still unbeaten Stockport Lapwings. Next weekend Hallam-Hatters are in action at All Saints when they entertain Ilkeston Outlaws on Saturday with tip off at 2.30

 

Southend Swifts had another difficult outing against league leaders Brighton & Sussex Students but made an outstanding start, leading 10-4 after four minutes, and kept in front by 24-23 at the end of the first quarter.

Injury to captain Jennie Rodgers meant she had to leave the game midway through the second quarter and this took away many of Swifts offensive options. Surprisingly the South Coast side could not get away and surprisingly the margin was just 52-61 after three minutes of the final quarter but the greater experience of the visitors took them to an 82-61 victory; Katie Holland leading the Swifts scoring with 27 points.

W/e 20th December 2009

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 62  LEICESTER CANNONS 90

With the two age groups matches postponed due to travelling difficulties, the final Southend Swifts game of 2009 saw the senior women take on Leicester Cannons at Eastwood High School.  Southend were once again missing a number of influential players as they met a vastly experienced team who are currently in second place in the league table.

Swifts made a terrible start, conceding the first eight points of the contest and despite a Katie Doubleday score it was 14-2 after five minutes and the East Midland side looking to record a very comprehensive victory.  However, the young Essex team suddenly found their confidence and led by seven points from Katie Holland they got back to 17-11.  Leicester replied with the next four but seven straight for the hosts left the scoreline at just 18-21 at the end of the first quarter.

The second period was a very strange ten minutes in terms of the scoring pattern.  Cannons scored eight straight before finding themselves kept scoreless for six minutes although Southend could manage just seven points themselves in that time with Hannah Culwick contributing five.  The final two minutes would see the visitors go on a 7-0 run that gave them a 36-25 half time lead.

The third quarter saw both offences on top, with a barrage of three-point shots.  From 41-29, Culwick hit two successive long-range efforts but some good work from Cannons Lisa Roberts helped her team to pull 54-35 clear.  Swifts came back with 11 straight and it was another batch of runs, eight for Leicester and six for Southend, which saw the margin at just 10 at 62-52 with one quarter remaining.

But on this occasion it would be a triumph of experience over youth. With Culwick’s scoring threat nullified, the hosts were unable to maintain their scoring touch whilst Cannons were seemingly able to score at will.  Despite good work from the tireless Sophie Hankin, Leicester were able to score 11 points in the last three minutes to record a deserved victory if by the slightly flattering margin of 90 points to 62.  Culwick with 20 points, Doubleday 16, Holland 11 and Hankin 10 leading the scoring.

W/e 13th December 2009

Team Northumbria II 54 City Of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 80

Sheffield continued winning ways with a convincing performance in Northumbria.

Hallam-Hatters made a quick, up-tempo start to the game, playing a full court press, gaining steals and taking advantage of fast break opportunities, which allowed them to race into an early lead. Team Northumbria battled back with quick exchanges but Hatters maintained the lead captured in the first few minutes finishing the quarter 22-12.

The second quarter was much of the same, with Hatters taking advantage of the fast break leading to quick, easy baskets.  Northumbria kept battling to keep in the game, with their biggest scoring period, to reach within 12 points of the Hatters at the half.

The third quarter was Sheffield’s lowest period scoring only 16 points. It was a scrappy period and Team Northumbria were unable to capitalise.

The fourth quarter saw Hatters seal the victory comfortably, with 3 consecutive 3 pointers by Katy Taylor to finish in a flurry and close out the game 80-54.

Stacey Kirk top scored with 26 points supported by Lauren Lindsay with 20.

W/e 29th November 2009

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

SOUTHEND SWIFTS 41  SEVENOAKS SUNS II 84

Surprisingly the end of November saw Southend Swifts seniors first home game of the season having played three away matches so far.  But, for Southend, this was certainly not a senior fixture as a plethora of injuries, illness and unavailabilities meant it was almost an under 16 team that took to the court.

Unsurprisingly it was never going to be a contest as Swifts found themselves 12-2 down after six minutes on the way to a 23-6 first quarter deficit.  Some good three-point shooting from Katie Holland and Hannah Culwick gave a little hope at 17-30 but that would be the closest as Suns lead mounted.

It would be easy to say that this was very valuable experience at this level but this is not why Swifts enter the senior division.  The final score of 84-41 is hugely disappointing despite Holland's 18 points and 11 from Culwick.

W/e 22nd November 2009

Women’s National Basketball League Division Two North.

Stockport Lapwings 73 City of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 53

Stockport came out strong, playing a full court zone press that proved difficult for the Hallam-Hatters players. When they did get the ball over the half a formidable zone defence from Stockport proved difficult for the visitors. Hatters were out rebounded and quick transition from Stockport allowed them to score easily.  The first quarter ended with the hosts holding a 17-4 lead.

The second quarter saw much of the same but hatters tried to stay focussed and play their half court plays on offence. Hallam-Hatters were able to take open shots and lay-ups but were extremely unlucky to see the ball failing to drop on several occasions. Although very frustrating, Hallam-Hatters continued to fight and, aided by tough defence, they slowly narrowed the gap. Stockport, however, made the most of their opportunities and the second quarter ended with the hosts leading by 34-17.

Hatters came out strong in the third quarter, driving at players and gaining fouls. Shots eventually started to drop and Stockport started to make mistakes. Hallam-Hatters were able to take both defensive and offensive rebounds, particularly by Jenny Rowland. This allowed Hallam-Hatters to take some good fast break opportunities, which resulted in easy baskets.  Once again, Stockport took the upper hand, pressing home their advantage and ending the third quarter leading 54- 35.

Hallam-Hatters once again started the quarter well and again began to make inroads into the Lapwings lead. The visitors started to break the Stockport zone and showed more confidence when it came to driving into the key and shooting. Despite this, Lapwings were able to match the visitors scoring and comfortably closed out the game to win 73- 53.

Top Hallam-Hatters scorers: Gangstad 19, Kirk 11.

W/e 15th November 2009

SENIOR WOMENS NATIONAL LEAGUE – SOUTH DIVISION

BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX STUDENTS 79  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 61

A combination of illness, injury and unavailabilities meant it was a very disjointed Southend Swifts senior team that travelled down to take on Brighton and Sussex Students.  Southend were forced to take three members of their under 16 team, who themselves had a game, in order to be able to field a strong enough side.

Swifts made the unlikeliest of starts, opening a 9-2 lead with Hannah Culwick scoring seven.  Brighton hit back with an 11-0 run and with five of the final eight points the home side led 18-12 at the end of the first quarter.

Another Culwick three-pointer helped her team to a 6-2 spell that reduced the deficit to just two.  The Sussex side replied with the next seven but the young Southend side showed tremendous resolve.  Katie Doubleday and Katie Holland managed to get to the basket against taller and physically stronger opponents and late three-pointers from Holland and Stephanie Smith kept their team in the match; trailing just 36-32 at the half time interval.

Another Holland three-pointer and a pair of Ella Rees foul shots made it a one point game before the home side hit 10 straight.  Three from Doubleday and another Culwick three-pointer kept the match alive and with one period remaining Brighton led 56-44.

A further Culwick long-range effort gave some hope but an 8-2 run effectively ended matters.  Doubleday and Culwick again from three point land (the latter’s 5th of the day) kept the scoreboard moving but there just was not enough firepower as Swifts fell to a very creditable 77-61 defeat: Culwick with 20 points, Holland 19 and Doubleday 14.

 

England Basketball National League Division Two North

Sefton Starlights 51 City of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 53

Hatters made the long trip North to face Sefton and returned with the points after a hard fought victory.

Trailing 19-14 after the first quarter, Hallam-Hatters reduced the hosts lead to just two points going into half time.

After really close third quarter, Michael Talbot’s side had edged into a single point lead, heading into the final ten minutes 37-36 up.

The fourth was equally hard fought with Hallam-Hatters holding on at the end to record a 53-51 win that takes them into third place in the Division 2 North table.

Hatters top scorers: Kirk 12, Jamieson 10 and Ward 9

W/e 1st November 2009

England Basketball National League Division 2 North

Bury Blue Devils 39 City of Sheffield Hatters 42

Hatters traveled to Bury for the second consecutive weekend and added league victory to the cup success celebrated last week.

Bury started well and lead 14-10 at the first break. In a close second quarter Hatters reduced the hosts advantage and went into the locker rooms trailing by a single point.

Hatters gained the upper hand in the third quarter and took what would turn out to be a decisive advantage, leading 36-29 at the end of the third. Hallam-Hatters were outscored in the final quarter but held on to record a 42-39 victory.

Hatters top scorers: Kendal James 12 points, Lauren Lindsey 8, Hannah Ward 6.

W/e 25th October 2009

WOMENS SENIOR NATIONAL LEAGUE – DIVISION 2 MIDLANDS AND SOUTH EAST
HINCKLEY AND BOSWORTH LADY HOOPS 70  SOUTHEND SWIFTS 85
Southend Swifts eldest national league team, the senior women, finally got their season underway when they made the journey to Leicestershire to take on Hinckley and Bosworth Ladyhoops. 

The Midland side are new to the senior division this season and were narrowly beaten in their opening fixture.  Southend were missing a number of players and drafted in under 16s Francesca Moody and Kate and Jess Holland despite their own team having a fixture on the same day.

Hinckley made the better start, scoring the first four points of the contest, but Swifts replied with 11 straight including two Hannah Culwick three-pointers.  The hosts hit back with a three-pointer of their own before an 8-2 run for Southend took them 20-9 ahead and seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory.  But the home side hit back strongly with an 11-4 stretch to trail just 20-24 at the end of the first quarter.

The start of the second quarter saw 15 year old Katie Holland show her maturity as she contributed seven in a 14-4 spell that took Swifts 38-24 ahead.  But inspired by their Lithuanian international Vaiva Beniusyte, Hinckley again showed their resolve and with eight unanswered points they reduced the deficit to just six at 40-34. Holland, however, had other ideas and she had her team’s next eight points before a further Culwick three-pointer just before the half time buzzer saw Southend with a 51-39 midway lead.

Not for the first time, the start of the third quarter threatened to be Swifts downfall as they managed just two points as their opponents scored 12 of their own and suddenly it was a two point game at 51-53.  But this time it was the Essex side who would re-group and a 12-4 saw them go into the final quarter with a 10 point lead.

The first four minutes would be conclusive as the unusually quiet Jennie Rodgers began to find the basket that helped her team score 13 unanswered points to lead by 21.  Hinckley continued to battle but it was to no avail as Southend ran out not entirely convincing winners by 85 points to 70.  Holland with 31 points, Culwick 25 and Rodgers 15 leading the scoring.

 

England Basketball Women’s National League Division Two North

Ilkeston Outlaws 35 City Of Sheffield Hallam-Hatters 110

Hallam-Hatters bounced back from their opening day defeat against Manchester Mystics to record a comprehensive win in Ilkeston.

Hallam-Hatters quickly took the initiative and by the end of the first quarter had taken a 20 point lead. Taking full advantage of every opportunity, Hatters limited to home side to just 7 second quarter points as they headed into the half time break leading 67-22.

With the game over as a contest Hatters eased up slightly in a low scoring third quarter but still increased their lead to 51 points, before slipping Back into top gear in the final quarter to post a comprehensive 110-35 scoreline.

Hatters Top Scorers: Berit Gangstad 23 points, Ann Jamieson 14, Jenny Rowland 10.

W/e 18th October 2009