Riders rack up two historic highs on a memorable day

WBBL Trophy Semi-Finals
Leicester Riders 94 (25,47,70) (McGarrachan 19, Winterburn 16, Livermore 13)
Notingham Wildcats 83 (16,38,59) (Priro 29, Harris 29,Ferreira 16)

There were scenes of jubilation as Leicester Riders clinched their first ever success in the WBBL era against neighbours Nottingham Wildcats, with the 94-83 victory catapulting them to another historic first as they booked a maiden showpiece Final appearance.

While they snoozed in the opening minutes, a powerful 10-0 run during the first quarter brought Riders to life and they were in the ascendancy from that moment onwards.

Wildcats struggled to find a solution at the defensive end to stop Riders, who had Scottish star Erin McGarrachan catch fire early as she eventually poured in 19 points.

Alex Smith also pulled the strings brilliantly and finished with a fine 10 points and 11 assists, while her feat of completing a double-double was matched by frontcourt powerhouse Erika Livermore who had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Young English talent Holly Winterburn also registered a hugely important came with a perfect three of three from downtown as she netted 16 points.

It was a sore one for Wildcats and none more so than for Siobhan Prior and Ashley Harris who shared a mammoth 58 points in defeat.