Girls Storming clear at the top

Still on target to retain league title

Ayr Storm’s U16 girls moved another step closer to defending their Strathclyde League crown with a hard fought win over South Lanarkshire Colliers at Kyle Academy.

The victory puts Ayr clear at the top of the table, still undefeated, and needing only one win from their final two games to retain their title.

The opening quarter was a tight affair, with missed baskets at both ends, and both teams taking time to settle, but it was Storm who shaded it, 12- 10, thanks in large part to six points from Belmont Academy’s Abbie Middleton.

The second quarter saw Ayr’s captain, Emily Nolan, lead the charge with 10 points, but Colliers stuck to their task, and it was only a three pointer from Middleton, that gave the home side a 31- 23 lead at the break.

Head coach, Maria Vasilaki, continued to ring the changes throughout the game, with several of the U14 players getting time on court. In particular, Ardrossan Academy’s Michaela McNeil impressed during the second half with a season high seven points.

Clearly buoyed by her call- up to the club’s U18 squad, Melissa Graham, helped herself to a personal best eight points, along with some strong defence.

Colliers continued to be a match for Storm, and 14 points apiece from internationalist Katie Burn and guard, Abigail Paterson, ensured the game never got away from the visitors.

The play from both teams kept the watching crowd enthralled, and they played their part by cheering both sets of players as they traded basket for basket.

It was the home team who held out for victory 79- 63, with Nolan ( 27pts) and Middleton ( 21pts) leading the scorers.

Coach Vasilaki said: “It was both teams first game back after a mid- season lay- off, so there were signs of rust, but we have to be pleased with the result.”

The teams meet again in the National League play- offs at the end of February.