Plate Winners!

Aldershot Garrison, Sunday 31st January, Won 82-34

The season so far for the Blackhawk ladies has had its ups and its downs but the team came to the final of the Wessex Plate determined to win. Against them was a younger, and potentially fitter, team with good shooting ability.

It was Woking however, who started the game showing the most energy, applying pressure on defence, forcing turnovers and leading to consecutive fastbreaks. The points quickly mounted up with the quarter ending 24-3.

In the second quarter, the ladies from Woking struggled to maintain discipline on defence. Aldworth found their shooting range and mid-way through the quarter scored 11 points with no response from Blackhawks. Player-coach Annabelle Hardiman called a quick time-out to address the situation and make some key changes on court. Back on court and the Blackhawks countered Aldworth’s offensive play with a 14-0 run to seal the half 48 – 18.

The half time break allowed Woking to regroup once again and start the third quarter much in the same vain as the first: strong defensive pressure leading to easy steals and quick baskets. This time round however, Blackhawks maintained good defensive form throughout the quarter and continued their lead into the fourth.

In an attempt to wind the clock, Woking played some longer offences, moving the ball around the court before finding the open shot. It was a team performance from the Blackhawks with each member putting some points on the board. Milena Hinkova made some impressive steaks at the defensive end whilst Jo Adolfsson and Anne-Beatrice Guillarme, Woking’s newest recruits, wreaked havoc for Aldworth by making the most of their height advantage and fighting their way to the basket.

Whilst Aldworth played some good basketball and made life difficult for Woking, in particular Kelly North who hassled the guards throughout the game, it was Woking who controlled the game right until the final whistle. Final score 82 – 34.

Top scorer: Clara Massot with 20 points

MVP: Annabelle Hardiman

Squad: Clara (20), Annabelle (17), Jo (12), Helen (10), Milena (9), Anne (8), Robyn (4), Elaine (2), Elena.