Lapwings defy odds to reach National Cup final
STOCKPORT Lapwings wrote a new chapter in their long history laast weekend.
Currently leading the Second Division Northern Conference, they successfully disposed of second-placed Division One team, Thames Valley Cavaliers 68-66, in the Semi Final of the Women’s National Cup.
In front of a large following they took an early lead and were ahead by nine points after the first ten minutes.
Hitting back hard, Thames Valley scored twelve points in a row to lead 33-28 at half time.
Through the third period the scores ebbed and flowed.
As Stockport closed up the difference, Thames Valley extended it again, and at the end of the third quarter Sockport were still behind on 47-53.
Two free throws from Jade Butters at the start of the final quarter were quickly cancelled out, and Thames Valley extended their lead to nine points at 58-49.
Three points from Rosie Hynes lifted the team, and Vouge Lucas added two more before the visitors scoored again, putting Stockport six points behind.
Six in a row from the Lucas sisters, Vouge and Jade, and the scores were tied at 60 all.
Thames Valley were next to score but then another three, this time from Nikki Boardman, and for the first time since late in the second quarter The Lapwings were in front.
The next score left them back one point behind.
The adrenalin now running high, and time fast running out, Rosie Hynes hit the sweetest three pointer of the afternoon to take a two-point lead.
This was quickly made four with a determined drive from Vouge Lucas and the game was inside the last sixty seconds.
The visitors scored next, leaving Lapwings’ defence fighting desperately to prevent another.
The inevitable foul came and the Thames Valley Captain stepped up to the line to take two free throws, and the game clock showing there were less than two seconds to play.
Having scored four from four during the game it was a huge relieve when she missed the first, and then the second to leave the final score 68-66.
On Thursday evening starting at 8.20pm, the Lapwings play Manchester Mystics in a League match.
Mystics, like the Lapwings, have lost only one game so far.
On Sunday 23rd January The Lapwings meet Solent Kestrels in the Final of the National Cup, at the National Performance Centre, Kirkmansulme Lane, Belle Vue.
Tip off is at 1pm (anyone wishing to go would be advised to book a ticket on Basketball England’s Website).