Lapwings into second round of Cup

STOCKPORT Lapwings took to the road again on Sunday in the first round of the National Cup, with a trip to Myerscough College, Preston.

Against a young fast and well drilled team, Stockport’s game was mixed, being at times well controlled and effective, helping build a commanding first half lead.

But as the game progressed in to the second half, Stockport allowed their opponents to build in confidence and come back in to the game, as they made too many errors, and made too many forced shots.

Scoring first, The Lapwings led the whole game to win by just two points.

In a fast end to end game, they steadily established themselves, slowly extending their lead to 44-31 at half time.

It was in the latter part of the first half when they effectively laid the foundation for their win, when they scored seventeen points against only five, after Myerscough had closed the game to 27-26.

It was a different Myerscough team that came out at the start of the second half, and they quickly cut back into the Stockport’s lead.

Closing still at the start of the last period with the first five points, it was suddenly a two point game with an opponent standing on the line with three free throws.

She sank the first to reduce the difference to one, but missed the next two, and a chance to go ahead.

Stockport responded again with some quality basketball hitting the next thirteen points against only four, but then dried up again making too many mistakes, and failing to score in the las three minutes while the home side closed the gap again.

Time ran out on The College Girls, leaving the Lapwings relieved winners by 72-70, and a place in the Second round of the National Cup.

Leading scorers were McCready [18], Silikas, [16], Captain Jade Bow Butters [15] and Clayden [14].

This Saturday The Lapwings are at home to Sheffield Hatters at Reddish Vale Basketball Centre.