EBL Women’s National Cup
Wellingborough Phoenix 77
Reading Rockets 52
A new look Wellingborough Phoenix ladies side ran out convincing winners in their season opener against Reading Rockets in the first round of the National Cup.
The hosts had three debutants, with newcomer Laura Shanahan leading the points scoring for them with 18. Naomi Sterling also added 16 in a strong all round performance.
Wellingborough opened a 12 point lead after the first period, and led by as many as 25 on their way to a 45-22 lead at the break.
The intensity from the home side dropped off in the second half, but the home sides lead never looked in doubt as Phoenix marched into the second round of the cup.
They will travel to Division One side and last seasons losing semi-finalists UWIC Archers looking for some cup giant killing.
Coach Pete Burgoine said: “While it was good to get off to a winning start, we still have much work to do.
“We struggled to get into our half court game, and could have been more clinical at times.
“We look forward to next weekend and the opening of our league campaign, where we will start the defence of our title from last year.
“We are still getting all our new players integrated, and we are hopeful of mounting a challenge again this season.”
Phoenix are back in action on Sunday when they host Ipswich Bobcats at Weavers Leisure Centre in the first Women’s Division Two game of the season at 2.30pm.
The men’s team have a double-header this weekend, starting on Saturday when they travel to take on Oxford Brookes University in Division Three.
Then the following day they are at home to University of Northampton Trojans in the second round of the Men’s National Shield, which follow the Phoenix ladies game.
