Winterburn aiming for Trophy atonement with Riders

Four teams remain in the hunt for the WBBL Betty Codona Trophy title after the Semi-Final lineup was completed over the weekend.

Last season’s winners, Sevenoaks Suns, advanced alongside 2017 runners-up Leicester Riders and they will both have home ties in the last four against Caledonia Pride and Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters, respectively.

Sheffield – coached by legend Betty Codona in the absence of Vanessa Ellis on England duty – became the first team to lock down their Semi-Final spot with a 70-84 triumph on the road over Manchester Mystics.

Five players hit double figures, led by Jennifer Ashton’s team-high 19 points, whilst adding 10 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals with Gianna Woods posting a stellar double-double with 13 points and 17 boards.

There was a dramatic clash on Sunday between Leicester and Nottingham Wildcats as the Riders eventually prevailed in double overtime for a 90-82 success.

A flurry of clutch baskets at the end of regulation forced the first extra period before Holly Winterburn held her nerve to go 3/3 from the free throw line to send the game into double overtime.

Riders finished strong with a 10-2 burst setting up their victory with Jamila Thompson producing a mammoth stat-line of 29 points on 12 of 13 shooting along with 12 rebounds and 6 assists.

“The win was a really tough one,” declared Winterburn, who had 21 points. “I thought that as a team we really pulled together at key moments and played hard throughout.

“We made it hard for ourselves but showed we can get it done when it counts.

“Everyone’s looking forward to next weekend with the opportunity to make it back to the Trophy Final and make up for last year.”

Sevenoaks continued their title defence with a comfortable 72-56 win at home to BA London Lions in the pool decider. Judit Fritz top scored with 15 points with Cat Carr and Ta’Yani Clark both adding double-doubles.

Meanwhile, Caledonia advanced to another Semi-Final this season, despite suffering a 56-65 loss at home to Team Northumbria.

Evelyn Ovner led the visitors with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but it was not enough to progress due to their 18-point loss against Pride in their previous pool meeting.

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