The first of the games saw Cardiff Archers take on Sevenoaks Suns in the women’s final. 2014 runners-up Cardiff currently sit mid table in the WBBL, and had breezed through to the finals beating Solent Suns, Manchester Mystics and barking Abbey convincingly along the way. The only thing standing in the way of them going one step better and becoming champions was a youthful, enthusiastic Sevenoaks Suns team, who despite having their struggles this season have again had a strong cup run turning over some great teams on the way to the final.
The action was end to end from the start with the lead changing several times in the first quarter, but it was Cardiff who gained momentum towards the end of the first section of play edging forward to take a 19-12 lead. The end of the first half saw Cardiff’s lead cut to just two points and a scoreline of 33-31 going into the break. Three-pointers were forthcoming from both teams in the third, with Cardiff able to stretch their lead to four points, taking the score to 52-48 ahead of a tense final quarter.
See the All Time Winners Women’s National Cup here
At the end of a tight and thrilling battle, it was the Cardiff Archers who came out victorious, will a final score of 74 – 63. Their coach Stef Collins said; “It feels amazing. It is a huge day for us as a club, last year had the heartbreak of just missing out and so today we were able to go one step further and bring the silverware home. It was a tough game and credit to a young energetic Sevenoaks team who were hitting some big shots today. We were able to stayed really focussed and played to our strengths to get the win.”
The National Cup Finals is the first of six national events which the newly rebranded Basketball England will run between now and the end of the season in May. With inspiration taken from the NBA’s recent visit to London, there was an increased focus on the entertainment experience for the spectator. Basketball freestylers were on hand all day to provide fantastic entertainment and breathtaking tricks for the crowd at the EIS complex home to the Basketball England HQ.
Tickets for all future Basketball England events can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and search “Basketball England”. All events, dates, venues and ticket admissions can be viewed, with option to purchase tickets in advance. Basketball England members can receive a discount on ticket prices by using the code BETHERE at the checkout.
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