Muskies must tighten up and take chances

Tayside Musketeers women are still second top of the Scottish Women’s League table behind Falkirk Fury.

Having won two and lost two and with a worrying “points against” total of 55 points a game, Muskies will be well aware that they need to tighten their defence if they are to stay in title contention having played a game more than most of their rivals.

It was their inability to convert their scoring chances which mainly worried coach Donnie MacDonald after Muskies went down 67-48 to City of Edinburgh Kool Kats at Grove Academy at the weekend.

“We were short-handed and got into a bit of foul trouble but also didn’t take our opportunities in the first three quarters of the game,” he said.

“Kats have added depth to their team and for three quarters ran a clinic on offensive execution,” he added.

Fortunately the visitors went off the boil and Muskies came back so strongly that they took the last 10 minutes 21-6.

Laura Hare top-scored for the Tayside women with 18 points, while Yhana Van Wees had a notable treble of 14 points, 21 rebounds and six blocks.

For Kats veteran internationalist Leanne Paige was outstanding with 18 points and 13 rebounds while Nicola McBrierty also notched a “double double” with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Emma Findlay added 15 points and Tracey Phillips 10.

Falkirk Fury beat Polonia Phoenix 53-44 to stay unbeaten after three games.