Victory puts Lapwings into play-offs
STOCKPORT Lapwings win on Saturday against Derby Trailblazers, with just one game left to play, lifted them from fifth to third place in the Conference League Table, and earned them a place in the quarter final Play Offs at the end of the month.
It was the Lapwings sixth win in a row, and left them with the credit of having beaten every team in the Conference, at least once.
It was another impressive performance from the Lapwings as they steadily nullified Derby’s offence and set about beating their defence. Both teams set off at a fast and furious pace creating numerous opportunities that came to nothing and left Derby ahead 12-10 after ten minutes.
It was the only time Derby had the lead, as Stockport scored the next four points. Then from 14 all, Stockport moved into top gear, and Derby didn’t know who was going to hit them next. Collins and Butters added a basket each, then Clayden left alone with time and space, calmly added the first ‘three’ of the game and then moments later she added another.
Next Ainge found the basket, and hit the bonus point also, and Stockport had raced into a twelve point lead. Exchanging basket for basket, the first half ended with Stockport in control at 36-24.
The second half started at much the same rate, but the Lapwings defence became unbeatable.
While six different players shared sixteen points at one end, Stockport’s defence restricted Derby to only one basket In the ten minute spell.
It took the Lapwings into the final quarter 52-26 points in front. Ainge scored the next five points and then Hunt showing some remarkable skill inside Derby’s defence, scored the next eleven points, and after Silikas had dropped in one of her trademark three pointers, Hunt scored the last basket to top score in the game with 15 points, and take the final match score to 73-40. Double figures were scored by Collins [14], Butters [12], Ainge [11] the remainder being shared by a further four players.
Next Saturday The Lapwings play their final home game against Lancashire Spinners at Stockport Sports for All centre at Reddish, the game starts at 2pm
The Boys U16 team also had a big win against Cheshire Phoenix on Saturday, which secured them the top spot in their Conference. Starting well they quickly took control of the game and by half time they had established a 41-26 lead, which they steadily added to in the second half, ending up 85-59 winners.