Published: 16/02/2010 00:00 -
Updated: 12/03/2010 01:22
EBL National League Women's Division One
Wellingborough Phoenix 52
London Mets 61
Phoenix ladies had their best chance of a win so far this season, but came up just short as London Mets hung on to record their second win of the campaign.
This leaves them looking to Tuesday night when basement rivals Birmingham come to Weavers in a rare midweek national league encounter. Something will have to give as both sides will be looking for the first win of the season.
On Sunday, Wellingborough had their best start of the year going out into a quick 7-0 lead, but the visitors battled back and by the end of the period held an 18-12 advantage as the home side struggled to come to terms with the Mets' zone defence.
London stretched the lead to 15 points midway through the second period, and it began to look like another opportunity for Wellingborough was slipping away.
But a late rally to close the half saw Phoenix close the gap to seven points as Vicky Hinds scored a quick six points, and Naomi Sterling hit her second three-pointer of the game to leave the half time score at 35-28 to the Londoners.
The third period was a repeat of the second as London built their lead back up to 16 points before again Phoenix bravely battled back again, finishing the period with a 7-2 run to close the deficit to eleven going in to the final quarter trailing 50-39.
Wellingborough continued their effort at the start of the final period opening with a 10-4 run with Jordan Elliott-King scoring her third third-pointer to close the gap to just five points as the first win of the season became a real possibility.
However, the visitors regained some of the previous poise and Phoenix committed a couple of key turnovers down the stretch so that the chance of the debut won slipped tantalisingly away as London eventually hung on to win 61-52.
Elliott-King top scored for Wellingborough with 15 points, Naomi Sterling added 12 points and Hinds 10 as well as 12 rebounds. Vesela Marinova knocked in 19 for London and Triin Taal added 15.
Coach Barry Powell was frustrated after the game, saying: "This one was there for the taking, and we couldn't just find that bit of quality and poise when we needed it.
"We are improving, but just need to cut out the silly little mistakes now, and I am sure the first win will come along soon."
Birmingham visit Weavers on Tuesday February 16 at 8.15pm before Phoenix travel to South Wales to face UWIC this weekend.
Wellingborough Phoenix 52
London Mets 61
Phoenix ladies had their best chance of a win so far this season, but came up just short as London Mets hung on to record their second win of the campaign.
This leaves them looking to Tuesday night when basement rivals Birmingham come to Weavers in a rare midweek national league encounter. Something will have to give as both sides will be looking for the first win of the season.
On Sunday, Wellingborough had their best start of the year going out into a quick 7-0 lead, but the visitors battled back and by the end of the period held an 18-12 advantage as the home side struggled to come to terms with the Mets' zone defence.
London stretched the lead to 15 points midway through the second period, and it began to look like another opportunity for Wellingborough was slipping away.
But a late rally to close the half saw Phoenix close the gap to seven points as Vicky Hinds scored a quick six points, and Naomi Sterling hit her second three-pointer of the game to leave the half time score at 35-28 to the Londoners.
The third period was a repeat of the second as London built their lead back up to 16 points before again Phoenix bravely battled back again, finishing the period with a 7-2 run to close the deficit to eleven going in to the final quarter trailing 50-39.
Wellingborough continued their effort at the start of the final period opening with a 10-4 run with Jordan Elliott-King scoring her third third-pointer to close the gap to just five points as the first win of the season became a real possibility.
However, the visitors regained some of the previous poise and Phoenix committed a couple of key turnovers down the stretch so that the chance of the debut won slipped tantalisingly away as London eventually hung on to win 61-52.
Elliott-King top scored for Wellingborough with 15 points, Naomi Sterling added 12 points and Hinds 10 as well as 12 rebounds. Vesela Marinova knocked in 19 for London and Triin Taal added 15.
Coach Barry Powell was frustrated after the game, saying: "This one was there for the taking, and we couldn't just find that bit of quality and poise when we needed it.
"We are improving, but just need to cut out the silly little mistakes now, and I am sure the first win will come along soon."
Birmingham visit Weavers on Tuesday February 16 at 8.15pm before Phoenix travel to South Wales to face UWIC this weekend.
