The Wrap

In a shortened weekend of WBBL action due to adverse weather, Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters moved into second spot, while Team Northumbria and Manchester Mystics also picked up road wins.

Sheffield made a strong start en route to a 71-86 success away at Caledonia Pride with Steph Gandy leading the way with a 25-point haul.

Gianna Woods and Jennifer Ashton both posted double-doubles in the win, while Helen Naylor netted 19 points to become the first player to pass 1000 league points in WBBL history.

“It was a great win and much needed after a poor few weeks from us,” declared Naylor. “I thought we stuck together as a team and had some great spells.

“It’s nice to go into the Christmas break with a win under our belts.”

On passing the 1000-point mark, she added: “I was surprised after the game with a number of tweets about being the first player to pass 1000 WBBL points, so that was great – I honestly had no idea I was close.

“It is something that has to be shared with all my team-mates from the last few years so thanks guys.”

The loss marked the second on the weekend at home for Pride as they also suffered an agonising 73-75 defeat in overtime against the Mystics.

Rheanne Bailey starred with 28 points for the visitors with Lauren Thomas-Johnson adding a further 23 points. Manchester forced an extra period with a 6-0 close to regulation before pulling out the win.

Northumbria recorded a 60-79 triumph against Oaklands Wolves as Evelyn Ovner and Alison Gorrell combined for 43 points in the win for Chris Bunten’s side.